Heterocyclic compound

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a compound having an MAGL inhibitory action, and useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Parkinson&#39;s disease, Huntington&#39;s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like. 
     The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of PCT/JP2017/013169, filed Mar. 30, 2017, which claims priority from Japanese application JP 2016-071184, filed Mar. 31, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a heterocyclic compound having a monoacylglycerol lipase (sometimes to be abbreviated as “MAGL” in the present specification) inhibitory action, a pharmaceutical composition containing same and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arachidonic acid (sometimes to be abbreviated as “AA” in the present specification), and eicosanoid, which is a product in vivo, have been reported to cause inflammation in the central nervous system and peripheral [non-patent document 1: Science, vol. 294, pages 1871-1875, 2001]. An inhibitor that suppresses arachidonic acid production pathway, and eicosanoid production pathway is promising as a therapeutic drug for inflammatory diseases, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as cyclooxygenase inhibitor and the like have been used as therapeutic drugs for inflammatory pain. However, when a cyclooxygenase inhibitor is used for a long time, digestive tract disorders are sometimes developed as side effects, thus posing a problem. In addition, circulatory side effects such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction and the like also pose problems in recent years.

Neuroinflammation accompanied by activation of glial cells has been suggested to be a pathological change characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease etc.) [non-patent document 2: Molecular Neurobiology (Mol. Neurobiol), vol. 41, pages 115-128, 2010]. It has been reported that anti-inflammatory drugs suppress activation of glial cells and suppress neurodegenerative progression in an animal model of tau overexpression (human variant tau transgenic mouse etc.) which is a pathological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease [non-patent document 3: Neuron, vol. 53, pages 337-351, 2007]. In addition, the effectiveness of suppression of neuroinflammation for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and the like has been suggested [non-patent document 4: Nature Reviews Neurology (Nat. Rev. Neurol.), vol. 6, pages 193-201, 2010], and a therapeutic drug that suppresses neuroinflammation is promising as a therapeutic or prophylactic drug for neurodegenerative diseases.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes monoacylglycerol into fatty acid and glycerol. In the central nervous system, the substrate of MAGL is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (also referred to as 2-AG in the present specification) which is decomposed into arachidonic acid and glycerol [non-patent document 5: Chemistry and Physics of Lipids (Chem phys Lipids) vol. 121, pages 149-158, 2002]. In recent years, suppression of production of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids, suppression of activation of glial cell, suppression of production of inflammatory cytokine, and a decreasing action on the accumulation of Aβ plaque which is a pathologic finding of Alzheimer's disease have been reported in a crossbred animal of MAGL deficient mouse and amyloid β (to be also referred to as Aβ in the present specification) overexpressing animal model (APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse etc.) [non-patent document 6: Cell Report (Cell Rep.), vol. 1, pages 617-623, 2012], and an inhibitor etc. that suppress the action of MAGL are promising as a therapeutic or prophylactic drug for Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, as receptors of 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, cannabinoid receptor 1 (to be referred to as CB1 in the present specification), and cannabinoid receptor 2 (to be referred to as CB2 in the present specification) have been identified [non-patent document 7: Biochemical Pharmacology (Biochem. Pharmcol.) vol. 50, 83-90, 1995]. CB1 is mainly expressed in the brain region [non-patent document 8: Molecular Pharmacology (Mol. Pharmacol.), vol. 34, pages 605-613, 1988], and CB2 is expressed in immunocyte, and microglial cell in the brain region [non-patent document 9: Neuroscience Letters (Neurosci. Lett.), vol. 396, pages 113-116, 2006]. In recent years, it has been reported that CB1 receptor agonist improves cognition function [non-patent document 10: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (J. Alzheimers. Dis.), vol. 30, pages 439-459, 2012], and 2-AG, which is the substrate of MAGL, shows a protective action against nerve cell death due to Aβ [non-patent document 11: Neuroscience, vol. 178, pages 159-168, 2011]. Therefore, MAGL inhibitor that suppresses decomposition of 2-AG is promising as a therapeutic or prophylactic drug that suppresses neuroinflammation, nerve cell death, Aβ accumulation and the like observed in Alzheimer's disease and having not only a symptomatic relief action but also a disease-modifying action.

Parkinson's disease, which is one of the neurodegenerative diseases, is a disease associated with movement disorders caused by the degeneration of midbrain substantia nigra dopamine nerve cells, for which activation of glial cell has been reported [non-patent document 12: Annals of Neurology (Ann. Neurol.) vol. 57, pages 168-175, 2005]. While 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine is known to induce midbrain substantia nigra dopamine nerve cell death, it has been reported to show a protective action against nerve cell death in MAGL deficient mouse [non-patent document 13: Science, vol. 334, pages 809-813, 2011]. Therefore, an inhibitor etc. that suppress the action of MAGL are promising as new therapeutic drugs for Parkinson's disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (to be referred to as ALS in the present specification) is a disease associated with degeneration of motor neuron, and an effective treatment method does not exist at present. Activation of glial cell in ALS has been reported [non-patent document 14: Neurobiology of Disease (Neurobiol. Dis.) vol. 15, pages 601-609, 2004]. It has also been reported that activation of CB2 suppresses progression of the disease in mutant superoxide dismutase overexpression mouse, which is an animal model of ALS [non-patent document 15: European Journal of Pharmacology (Eur. J. Pharmacol.), vol. 542, pages 100-105, 2006]. In addition, it has been reported that neuroinflammation in MAGL deficient mouse is suppressed by decreasing arachidonic acid, which is a product of MAGL in the living body [non-patent document 13: Science, vol. 334, pages 809-813, 2011]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for ALS.

Huntington's disease which is one of the neurodegenerative diseases is a disease wherein a neurological function is lost by nerve cell death and neuroinflammation due to polyglutamine aggregation. It has been reported that activation of CB2 suppresses neuroinflammation and shows a neuroprotective action in R6/2 mouse which is an animal model of Huntington's disease [non-patent document 16: Brain, vol. 132, pages 3152-3164, 2009]. In addition, it has been reported that neuroinflammation is suppressed by decreasing arachidonic acid, which is a resultant product of MAGL, in MAGL deficient mouse [non-patent document 13: Science, vol. 334, pages 809-813, 2011]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for Huntington's disease.

2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to suppress progression of the disease state in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, i.e., an animal model of multiple sclerosis which is one of the central demyelination diseases [non-patent document 17: Brain Research (Brain Res.), vol. 1390, pages 126-141, 2011]. In addition, it has been reported that neuroinflammation is suppressed in MAGL deficient mouse by decreasing arachidonic acid, which is a resultant product of MAGL [non-patent document 13: Science, vol. 334, pages 809-813, 2011]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for multiple sclerosis.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a condition exerting an extremely harmful influence on the health of individuals, and an effective treatment method does not exist at present. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to have a protective action against nerve cell death in a closed head injury animal model [non-patent document 18: Nature, vol. 413, pages 527-531, 2001]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic or prophylactic drug for traumatic brain injury.

Glaucoma most often causes loss of eyesight, and is considered a serious social problem. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to activate aqueous outflow in an intraocular perfusion model [non-patent document 19: Experimental Eye Research (Exp. Eye Res.), vol. 87, pages 106-114, 2008]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic or prophylactic drug for glaucoma.

Anxiety disorder is a mental disease that occurs highly frequently, and greatly influences the quality of life. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to show an anti-anxiety action in an elevated plus maze test, which is an effective test system of anxiety disorder [non-patent document 20: Behavioural Brain Research (Behav. Brain Res.), vol. 252, pages 10-17, 2013]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for anxiety disorders.

2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to show an antinociceptive effect in a formalin test [non-patent document 21: British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 150, pages 693-701, 2007]. In addition, 2-AG has been reported to show effect in a mechanical hyperalgesia test which is a carcinomatous pain model [non-patent document 22: Pharmacological Research (Pharmacol. Res.), vol. 64, pages 60-67, 2011]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for inflammatory pain and nervous pain.

Epilepsy greatly influences daily life. It is known that neuroinflammation has been induced in the hippocampus of temporal lobe epilepsy patients, and neuroinflammation accompanied by activation of glial cells is involved in convulsive attack [non-patent document 23: Nature Medicine (Nature Med.), vol. 16, pages 413-419, 2010]. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has a suppressive action on pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsive attack, which is an acute convulsion model [non-patent document 24: Neurochemical Research (Neurochem. Res.), vol. 36, pages 1520-1525, 2011]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for epilepsy.

Depression is a disease that occurs highly frequently in the modern society, and greatly influences the quality of life. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to show an anti-depression action on chronical stress model which is an effective test system of depression [non-patent document 25: Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 39, pages 1763-1776, 2014]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for depression.

Migraine is a disease that occurs highly frequently in the modern society, and greatly influences the quality of life. One of the factors that develop migraine is neuroinflammation. Activation of CB2 has been reported to have an analgesic action in nitroglycerin-administered rat, which is an effective test system of migraine [non-patent document 26: Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 15, No. 14, 2014]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for migraine.

Cerebral edema is a disease developed in association with various encephalopathies. One of the causes of cerebral edema is collapse of blood-brain barrier. Arachidonic acid and eicosanoids are known to collapse blood-brain barrier [non-patent document 27: Brain Research, vol. 1298, pages 13-23, 2009]. An inhibitor that suppresses the action of MAGL decreases production of arachidonic acid by MAGL. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for cerebral edema.

Cerebral ischemia is one factor causing the onset of cerebral infarction. 2-AG, which is a substrate of MAGL, has been reported to have a brain protective action in a test system effective for cerebral ischemia [non-patent document 28: Brain Research, vol. 1474, pages 91-99, 2012]. Therefore, an MAGL inhibitor is promising as a new therapeutic drug for cerebral ischemia.

As the heterocyclic compound, the following compounds are known. Patent Document 1 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 1, has a TRPV4 inhibitory activity.

Patent Document 2 describes that a compound represented by the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 2, is a RORγ modulator.

Patent Document 3 describes that a compound represented by the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 3, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment, improvement or prophylaxis of neurodegenerative disease, anxiety disorder, pain and epilepsy.

Patent Document 4 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 4, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pain (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, nervous pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like.

Patent Document 5 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 5, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment of pain and the like.

Patent Document 6 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 6, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment of pain and the like.

Patent Document 7 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 7, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment of pain and the like.

Patent Document 8 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 8, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment of pain and the like.

Patent Document 9 describes that a compound represented by the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 9, is useful as an MAGL inhibitor.

Patent Document 10 describes that a compound represented by the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 10, and the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 10, are useful as an MAGL inhibitor.

Patent Document 11 describes that a compound represented by the following formula:

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 11, is useful as an MAGL inhibitor.

Patent Document 12 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 12, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment, improvement or prophylaxis of metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes).

Patent Document 13 describes that a compound represented by the following formula (I):

wherein each symbol is as defined in patent document 13, is an MAGL inhibitor, and useful for the treatment, improvement or prophylaxis of metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes).

DOCUMENT LIST Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: WO 2015/046193 -   Patent Document 2: WO 2013/079223 -   Patent Document 3: WO 2015/099196 -   Patent Document 4: WO 2016/158956 -   Patent Document 5: WO 2010/124122 -   Patent Document 6: WO 2010/124082 -   Patent Document 7: WO 2010/124086 -   Patent Document 8: WO 2010/124121 -   Patent Document 9: WO 2012/030907 -   Patent Document 10: WO 2012/044613 -   Patent Document 11: WO 2012/054716 -   Patent Document 12: WO 2013/049289 -   Patent Document 13: WO 2013/049293

Non-Patent Document

-   Non-Patent document 1: Science, vol. 294, pages 1871-1875, 2001 -   Non-Patent document 2: Molecular Neurobiology (Mol. Neurobiol), vol.     41, pages 115-128, 2010 -   Non-Patent document 3: Neuron, vol. 53, pages 337-351, 2007 -   Non-Patent document 4: Nature Reviews Neurology (Nat. Rev. Neurol.),     vol. 6, pages 193-201, 2010 -   Non-Patent document 5: Chemistry and Physics of Lipids (Chem phys     Lipids) vol. 121, pages 149-158, 2002 -   Non-Patent document 6: Cell Report (Cell Rep.), vol. 1, page     617-623, 2012 -   Non-Patent document 7: Biochemical Pharmacology (Biochem. Pharmcol.)     vol. 50, 83-90, 1995 -   Non-Patent document 8: Molecular Pharmacology (Mol. Pharmacol.),     vol. 34, pages 605-613, 1988 -   Non-Patent document 9: Neuroscience Letters (Neurosci. Lett.), vol.     396, pages 113-116, 2006 -   Non-Patent document 10: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (J.     Alzheimers. Dis.), vol. 30, pages 439-459, 2012 -   Non-Patent document 11: Neuroscience, vol. 178, pages 159-168, 2011 -   Non-Patent document 12: Annals of Neurology (Ann. Neurol.) vol. 57,     pages 168-175, 2005 -   Non-Patent document 13: Science, vol. 334, pages 809-813, 2011 -   Non-Patent document 14: Neurobiology of Disease (Neurobiol. Dis.)     vol. 15, pages 601-609, 2004 -   Non-Patent document 15: European Journal of Pharmacology (Eur. J.     Pharmacol.), vol. 542, pages 100-105, 2006 -   Non-Patent document 16: Brain, vol. 132, pages 3152-3164, 2009 -   Non-Patent document 17: Brain Research (Brain Res.), vol. 1390,     pages 126-141, 2011 -   Non-Patent document 18: Nature, vol. 413, pages 527-531, 2001 -   Non-Patent document 19: Experimental Eye Research (Exp. Eye Res.),     vol. 87, pages 106-114, 2008 -   Non-Patent document 20: Behavioural Brain Research (Behav. Brain     Res.), vol. 252, pages 10-17, 2013 -   Non-Patent document 21: British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 150,     pages 693-701, 2007 -   Non-Patent document 22: Pharmacological Research (Pharmacol. Res.),     vol. 64, pages 60-67, 2011 -   Non-Patent document 23: Nature Medicine (Nature Med.), vol. 16,     pages 413-419, 2010 -   Non-Patent document 24: Neurochemical Research (Neurochem. Res.),     vol. 36, pages 1520-1525, 2011 -   Non-Patent document 25: Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 39, pages     1763-1776, 2014 -   Non-Patent document 26: Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 15, No.     14, 2014 -   Non-Patent document 27: Brain Research, vol. 1298, pages 13-23, 2009 -   Non-Patent document 28: Brain Research, vol. 1474, pages 91-99, 2012

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a compound having an MAGL inhibitory action, which is expected to be useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like.

Means of Solving the Problems

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in an attempt to solve the above-mentioned problems and found that a compound represented by the following formula (I) has an MAGL inhibitory action, and therefore, is expected to be useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like, which resulted in the completion of the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following.

[1] A compound represented by the formula (I):

wherein Ring A is (1) an optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring, (2) an optionally further substituted azetidine ring, (3) an optionally further substituted pyrrolidine ring, (4) an optionally further substituted piperidine ring, (5) an optionally further substituted piperazine ring, (6) an optionally further substituted benzene ring, (7) an optionally further substituted thiazole ring, (8) an optionally further substituted oxazole ring, (9) an optionally further substituted thiophene ring, (10) an optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle, or (11) an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle, Ring D is a ring optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), n is 1 or 2, X is —O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—, —O—CR¹R²— or —NR³—, R¹, R² and R³ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), or a salt thereof (hereinafter sometimes to be referred to as compound (I)). [2] The compound or salt of the above-mentioned [1], wherein Ring D is an azetidine ring; n is 1; X is —O—; and R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms. [3] The compound or salt of the above-mentioned [1] or [2], wherein Ring A is an optionally further substituted benzothiophene ring. [4] The compound or salt of the above-mentioned [1], wherein Ring A is (1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             halogen atoms,     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy         groups, and     -   (c) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom, and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom,             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to                 3 substituents selected from a halogen atom and a C₁₋₆                 alkyl group, and     -   (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom, and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom,     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom, and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom,             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to                 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups, and             -   (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic                 group, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom, and     -   (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups,         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen             atoms,             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom,     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups,         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom,     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom, and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group,     -   (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀         cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom,         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom, and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to             3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups,     -   (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups,         and     -   (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group,         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group,         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group,         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom,     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and     -   (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom, and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group optionally substituted by 1             to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups,             (9) a bicyclic homocycle optionally further substituted by 1             to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, or             (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle optionally further             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom,     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom,         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3             halogen atoms, and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group,     -   (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom,         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group,     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group,     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3         halogen atoms, and     -   (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups;         -   Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing             non-aromatic heterocycle;         -   n is 1 or 2;         -   X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         -   R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.             [5] The compound or salt of the above-mentioned [1] or [2],             wherein     -   Ring A is         (1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom, and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group;         Ring D is an azetidine ring;         n is 1;         X is —O—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [6]         2-((3-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one,         or a salt thereof.         [7]         2-((3-Chloro-6-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one,         or a salt thereof.         [8]         2-((3-Chloro-4,6-difluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one,         or a salt thereof.         [9] A medicament comprising the compound or salt of any of the         above-mentioned [1] to [8].         [10] The medicament of the above-mentioned [9], which is a         monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor.         [11] The medicament of the above-mentioned [9], which is an         agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of Alzheimer's disease,         Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral         sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain, epilepsy         or depression.         [12] Use of the compound or salt of any of the above-mentioned         [1] to [8] for the production of an agent for the prophylaxis or         treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,         Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple         sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain, epilepsy or depression.         [13] The compound or salt of any of the above-mentioned [1] to         [8] for use in the prophylaxis or treatment of Alzheimer's         disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic         lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain,         epilepsy or depression.         [14] A method of inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase in a mammal,         which comprises administering an effective amount of the         compound or salt of any of the above-mentioned [1] to [8] to the         mammal.         [15] A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of Alzheimer's         disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic         lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain,         epilepsy or depression in a mammal, which comprises         administering an effective amount of the compound or salt of any         of the above-mentioned [1] to [8] to the mammal.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, a compound having a superior MAGL inhibitory action, which is expected to be useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like can be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is explained in detail in the following.

The definition of each substituent used in the present specification is described in detail in the following. Unless otherwise specified, each substituent has the following definition.

In the present specification, examples of the “halogen atom” include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkyl group” include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, isohexyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl and 2-ethylbutyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group” include a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include methyl, chloromethyl, difluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl, 2-bromoethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, tetrafluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, propyl, 2,2-difluoropropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, isopropyl, butyl, 4,4,4-trifluorobutyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 5,5,5-trifluoropentyl, hexyl and 6,6,6-trifluorohexyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₂₋₆ alkenyl group” include ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl and 5-hexenyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₂₋₆ alkynyl group” include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl and 4-methyl-2-pentynyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group” include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl and adamantyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group” include a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include cyclopropyl, 2,2-difluorocyclopropyl, 2,3-difluorocyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, difluorocyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group” include cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₆₋₁₄ aryl group” include phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 1-anthryl, 2-anthryl and 9-anthryl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group” include benzyl, phenethyl, naphthylmethyl and phenylpropyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkoxy group” include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group” include a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, 4,4,4-trifluorobutoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyloxy group” include cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy and cyclooctyloxy.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkylthio group” include methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, butylthio, sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio, pentylthio and hexylthio.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylthio group” include a C₁₋₆ alkylthio group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include methylthio, difluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, butylthio, 4,4,4-trifluorobutylthio, pentylthio and hexylthio.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group” include acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, 2-methylpropanoyl, pentanoyl, 3-methylbutanoyl, 2-methylbutanoyl, 2,2-dimethylpropanoyl, hexanoyl and heptanoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group” include a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include acetyl, chloroacetyl, trifluoroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl and hexanoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group” include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, pentyloxycarbonyl and hexyloxycarbonyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group” include benzoyl, 1-naphthoyl and 2-naphthoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group” include phenylacetyl and phenylpropionyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group” include nicotinoyl, isonicotinoyl, thenoyl and furoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group” include morpholinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl and pyrrolidinylcarbonyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group” include methylcarbamoyl, ethylcarbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, diethylcarbamoyl and N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group” include benzylcarbamoyl and phenethylcarbamoyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group” include methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl and tert-butylsulfonyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group” include a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group optionally having 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, halogen atoms. Specific examples thereof include methylsulfonyl, difluoromethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, 4,4,4-trifluorobutylsulfonyl, pentylsulfonyl and hexylsulfonyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group” include phenylsulfonyl, 1-naphthylsulfonyl and 2-naphthylsulfonyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “substituent” include a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, an acyl group, an optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted carbamoyl group, an optionally substituted thiocarbamoyl group, an optionally substituted sulfamoyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxy group, an optionally substituted sulfanyl (SH) group and an optionally substituted silyl group.

In the present specification, examples of the “hydrocarbon group” (including “hydrocarbon group” of “optionally substituted hydrocarbon group”) include a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkynyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group and a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted hydrocarbon group” include a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s) selected from the following Substituent group A.

[Substituent Group A]

(1) a halogen atom,

(2) a nitro group,

(3) a cyano group,

(4) an oxo group,

(5) a hydroxy group,

(6) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group,

(7) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy, naphthoxy),

(8) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy),

(9) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclyloxy group (e.g., pyridyloxy),

(10) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclyloxy group (e.g., morpholinyloxy, piperidinyloxy),

(11) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyloxy group (e.g., acetoxy, propanoyloxy),

(12) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyloxy group (e.g., benzoyloxy, 1-naphthoyloxy, 2-naphthoyloxy),

(13) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyloxy group (e.g., methoxycarbonyloxy, ethoxycarbonyloxy, propoxycarbonyloxy, butoxycarbonyloxy),

(14) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyloxy group (e.g., methylcarbamoyloxy, ethylcarbamoyloxy, dimethylcarbamoyloxy, diethylcarbamoyloxy),

(15) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyloxy group (e.g., phenylcarbamoyloxy, naphthylcarbamoyloxy),

(16) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyloxy group (e.g., nicotinoyloxy),

(17) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyloxy group (e.g., morpholinylcarbonyloxy, piperidinylcarbonyloxy),

(18) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyloxy group (e.g., methylsulfonyloxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy),

(19) a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyloxy group optionally substituted by a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., phenylsulfonyloxy, toluenesulfonyloxy),

(20) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylthio group,

(21) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group,

(22) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group,

(23) a formyl group,

(24) a carboxy group,

(25) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group,

(26) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group,

(27) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group,

(28) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group,

(29) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group,

(30) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., phenyloxycarbonyl, 1-naphthyloxycarbonyl, 2-naphthyloxycarbonyl),

(31) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl, phenethyloxycarbonyl),

(32) a carbamoyl group,

(33) a thiocarbamoyl group,

(34) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group,

(35) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group (e.g., phenylcarbamoyl),

(36) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbamoyl group (e.g., pyridylcarbamoyl, thienylcarbamoyl),

(37) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbamoyl group (e.g., morpholinylcarbamoyl, piperidinylcarbamoyl),

(38) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group,

(39) a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group,

(40) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylsulfonyl group (e.g., pyridylsulfonyl, thienylsulfonyl),

(41) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group,

(42) a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfinyl group (e.g., phenylsulfinyl, 1-naphthylsulfinyl, 2-naphthylsulfinyl),

(43) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylsulfinyl group (e.g., pyridylsulfinyl, thienylsulfinyl),

(44) an amino group,

(45) a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkylamino group (e.g., methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, isopropylamino, butylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, dipropylamino, dibutylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino),

(46) a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ arylamino group (e.g., phenylamino),

(47) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylamino group (e.g., pyridylamino),

(48) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkylamino group (e.g., benzylamino),

(49) a formylamino group,

(50) a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonylamino group (e.g., acetylamino, propanoylamino, butanoylamino),

(51) a (C₁₋₆ alkyl) (C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl) amino group (e.g., N-acetyl-N-methylamino),

(52) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonylamino group (e.g., phenylcarbonylamino, naphthylcarbonylamino),

(53) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonylamino group (e.g., methoxycarbonylamino, ethoxycarbonylamino, propoxycarbonylamino, butoxycarbonylamino, tert-butoxycarbonylamino),

(54) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy-carbonylamino group (e.g., benzyloxycarbonylamino),

(55) a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonylamino group (e.g., methylsulfonylamino, ethylsulfonylamino),

(56) a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonylamino group optionally substituted by a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., phenylsulfonylamino, toluenesulfonylamino),

(57) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group,

(58) a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group,

(59) a C₂₋₆ alkynyl group,

(60) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group,

(61) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group, and

(62) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group.

The number of the above-mentioned substituents in the “optionally substituted hydrocarbon group” is, for example, 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3. When the number of the substituents is two or more, the respective substituents may be the same or different.

In the present specification, examples of the “heterocyclic group” (including “heterocyclic group” of “optionally substituted heterocyclic group”) include (i) an aromatic heterocyclic group, (ii) a non-aromatic heterocyclic group and (iii) a 7- to 10-membered bridged heterocyclic group, each containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom.

In the present specification, examples of the “aromatic heterocyclic group” (including “5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group”) include a 5- to 14-membered (preferably 5- to 10-membered) aromatic heterocyclic group containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom.

Preferable examples of the “aromatic heterocyclic group” include 5- or 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic groups such as thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl and the like; and 8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi or tricyclic) aromatic heterocyclic groups such as benzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, thienopyridinyl, furopyridinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, pyrazolopyridinyl, oxazolopyridinyl, thiazolopyridinyl, imidazopyrazinyl, imidazopyrimidinyl, thienopyrimidinyl, furopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, oxazolopyrimidinyl, thiazolopyrimidinyl, pyrazolotriazinyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, phenoxathiinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, 1H-indazolyl, purinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, carbazolyl, β-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl and the like.

In the present specification, examples of the “non-aromatic heterocyclic group” (including “3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group”) include a 3- to 14-membered (preferably 4- to 10-membered) non-aromatic heterocyclic group containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom.

Preferable examples of the “non-aromatic heterocyclic group” include 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic heterocyclic groups such as aziridinyl, oxiranyl, thiiranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydroisothiazolyl, tetrahydrooxazolyl, tetrahydroisooxazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, dihydropyridinyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydropyridazinyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, azepinyl, oxepanyl, azocanyl, diazocanyl and the like; and 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi or tricyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic groups such as dihydrobenzofuranyl, dihydrobenzimidazolyl, dihydrobenzoxazolyl, dihydrobenzothiazolyl, dihydrobenzisothiazolyl, dihydronaphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, tetrahydroisoquinolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridinyl, tetrahydrobenzazepinyl, tetrahydroquinoxalinyl, tetrahydrophenanthridinyl, hexahydrophenothiazinyl, hexahydrophenoxazinyl, tetrahydrophthalazinyl, tetrahydronaphthyridinyl, tetrahydroquinazolinyl, tetrahydrocinnolinyl, tetrahydrocarbazolyl, tetrahydro-β-carbolinyl, tetrahydroacrydinyl, tetrahydrophenazinyl, tetrahydrothioxanthenyl, octahydroisoquinolyl and the like.

In the present specification, preferable examples of the “7- to 10-membered bridged heterocyclic group” include quinuclidinyl and 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl.

In the present specification, examples of the “nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group” include a “heterocyclic group” containing at least one nitrogen atom as a ring-constituting atom.

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted heterocyclic group” include a heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s) selected from the above-mentioned Substituent group A.

The number of the substituents in the “optionally substituted heterocyclic group” is, for example, 1 to 3. When the number of the substituents is two or more, the respective substituents may be the same or different.

In the present specification, examples of the “acyl group” include a formyl group, a carboxy group, a carbamoyl group, a thiocarbamoyl group, a sulfino group, a sulfo group, a sulfamoyl group and a phosphono group, each optionally having “1 or 2 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group and a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from a halogen atom, an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an amino group and a carbamoyl group”.

Examples of the “acyl group” also include a hydrocarbon-sulfonyl group, a heterocyclylsulfonyl group, a hydrocarbon-sulfinyl group and a heterocyclylsulfinyl group.

Here, the hydrocarbon-sulfonyl group means a hydrocarbon group-bonded sulfonyl group, the heterocyclylsulfonyl group means a heterocyclic group-bonded sulfonyl group, the hydrocarbon-sulfinyl group means a hydrocarbon group-bonded sulfinyl group and the heterocyclylsulfinyl group means a heterocyclic group-bonded sulfinyl group.

Preferable examples of the “acyl group” include a formyl group, a carboxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl-carbonyl group (e.g., crotonoyl), a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-carbonyl group (e.g., cyclobutanecarbonyl, cyclopentanecarbonyl, cyclohexanecarbonyl, cycloheptanecarbonyl), a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl-carbonyl group (e.g., 2-cyclohexenecarbonyl), a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., phenyloxycarbonyl, naphthyloxycarbonyl), a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy-carbonyl group (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl, phenethyloxycarbonyl), a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., diallylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., cyclopropylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group (e.g., phenylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbamoyl group (e.g., pyridylcarbamoyl), a thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., methylthiocarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., diallylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., cyclopropylthiocarbamoyl, cyclohexylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., phenylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., benzylthiocarbamoyl, phenethylthiocarbamoyl), a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylthiocarbamoyl group (e.g., pyridylthiocarbamoyl), a sulfino group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfinyl group (e.g., methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl), a sulfo group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group, a phosphono group and a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkylphosphono group (e.g., dimethylphosphono, diethylphosphono, diisopropylphosphono, dibutylphosphono).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted amino group” include an amino group optionally having “1 or 2 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group and a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted amino group include an amino group, a mono- or di-(optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl) amino group (e.g., methylamino, trifluoromethylamino, dimethylamino, ethylamino, diethylamino, propylamino, dibutylamino), a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenylamino group (e.g., diallylamino), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkylamino group (e.g., cyclopropylamino, cyclohexylamino), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ arylamino group (e.g., phenylamino), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkylamino group (e.g., benzylamino, dibenzylamino), a mono- or di-(optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl)-carbonylamino group (e.g., acetylamino, propionylamino), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonylamino group (e.g., benzoylamino), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonylamino group (e.g., benzylcarbonylamino), a mono- or di-5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonylamino group (e.g., nicotinoylamino, isonicotinoylamino), a mono- or di-3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonylamino group (e.g., piperidinylcarbonylamino), a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonylamino group (e.g., tert-butoxycarbonylamino), a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylamino group (e.g., pyridylamino), a carbamoylamino group, a (mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl) amino group (e.g., methylcarbamoylamino), a (mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl) amino group (e.g., benzylcarbamoylamino), a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonylamino group (e.g., methylsulfonylamino, ethylsulfonylamino), a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonylamino group (e.g., phenylsulfonylamino), a (C₁₋₆ alkyl) (C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl) amino group (e.g., N-acetyl-N-methylamino) and a (C₁₋₆ alkyl) (C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl) amino group (e.g., N-benzoyl-N-methylamino).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted carbamoyl group” include a carbamoyl group optionally having “1 or 2 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted carbamoyl group include a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., diallylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., cyclopropylcarbamoyl, cyclohexylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbamoyl group (e.g., phenylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., acetylcarbamoyl, propionylcarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl-carbamoyl group (e.g., benzoylcarbamoyl) and a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbamoyl group (e.g., pyridylcarbamoyl).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted thiocarbamoyl group” include a thiocarbamoyl group optionally having “1 or 2 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted thiocarbamoyl group include a thiocarbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., methylthiocarbamoyl, ethylthiocarbamoyl, dimethylthiocarbamoyl, diethylthiocarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., diallylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., cyclopropylthiocarbamoyl, cyclohexylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., phenylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., benzylthiocarbamoyl, phenethylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., acetylthiocarbamoyl, propionylthiocarbamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl-thiocarbamoyl group (e.g., benzoylthiocarbamoyl) and a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylthiocarbamoyl group (e.g., pyridylthiocarbamoyl).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted sulfamoyl group” include a sulfamoyl group optionally having “1 or 2 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group and a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted sulfamoyl group include a sulfamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., methylsulfamoyl, ethylsulfamoyl, dimethylsulfamoyl, diethylsulfamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., diallylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., cyclopropylsulfamoyl, cyclohexylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., phenylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., benzylsulfamoyl, phenethylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., acetylsulfamoyl, propionylsulfamoyl), a mono- or di-C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl-sulfamoyl group (e.g., benzoylsulfamoyl) and a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylsulfamoyl group (e.g., pyridylsulfamoyl).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted hydroxy group” include a hydroxy group optionally having “a substituent selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl group, a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyl group, a mono- or di-C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyl group and a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted hydroxy group include a hydroxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyloxy group (e.g., allyloxy, 2-butenyloxy, 2-pentenyloxy, 3-hexenyloxy), a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyloxy group (e.g., cyclohexyloxy), a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy, naphthyloxy), a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy, phenethyloxy), a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyloxy group (e.g., acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butyryloxy, isobutyryloxy, pivaloyloxy), a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyloxy group (e.g., benzoyloxy), a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbonyloxy group (e.g., benzylcarbonyloxy), a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyloxy group (e.g., nicotinoyloxy), a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclylcarbonyloxy group (e.g., piperidinylcarbonyloxy), a C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyloxy group (e.g., tert-butoxycarbonyloxy), a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclyloxy group (e.g., pyridyloxy), a carbamoyloxy group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbamoyloxy group (e.g., methylcarbamoyloxy), a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl-carbamoyloxy group (e.g., benzylcarbamoyloxy), a C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyloxy group (e.g., methylsulfonyloxy, ethylsulfonyloxy) and a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyloxy group (e.g., phenylsulfonyloxy).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted sulfanyl group” include a sulfanyl group optionally having “a substituent selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonyl group and a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A” and a halogenated sulfanyl group.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted sulfanyl group include a sulfanyl (—SH) group, a C₁₋₆ alkylthio group, a C₂₋₆ alkenylthio group (e.g., alkylthio, 2-butenylthio, 2-pentenylthio, 3-hexenylthio), a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkylthio group (e.g., cyclohexylthio), a C₆₋₁₄ arylthio group (e.g., phenylthio, naphthylthio), a C₇₋₁₆ aralkylthio group (e.g., benzylthio, phenethylthio), a C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonylthio group (e.g., acetylthio, propionylthio, butyrylthio, isobutyrylthio, pivaloylthio), a C₆₋₁₄ aryl-carbonylthio group (e.g., benzoylthio), a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclylthio group (e.g., pyridylthio) and a halogenated thio group (e.g., pentafluorothio).

In the present specification, examples of the “optionally substituted silyl group” include a silyl group optionally having “1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group and a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl group, each of which optionally has 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent group A”.

Preferable examples of the optionally substituted silyl group include a tri-C₁₋₆ alkylsilyl group (e.g., trimethylsilyl, tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl).

In the present specification, examples of the “hydrocarbon ring” include a C₆₋₁₄ aromatic hydrocarbon ring, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane and C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkene.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₆₋₁₄ aromatic hydrocarbon ring” include benzene and naphthalene.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane” include cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane and cyclooctane.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkene” include cyclopropene, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cycloheptene and cyclooctene.

In the present specification, examples of the “heterocycle” include an aromatic heterocycle and a non-aromatic heterocycle, each containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom.

In the present specification, examples of the “aromatic heterocycle” include a 5- to 14-membered (preferably 5- to 10-membered) aromatic heterocycle containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom. Preferable examples of the “aromatic heterocycle” include 5- or 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocycles such as thiophene, furan, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazole, tetrazole, triazine and the like; and

8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi or tricyclic) aromatic heterocycles such as benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzisoxazole, benzothiazole, benzisothiazole, benzotriazole, imidazopyridine, thienopyridine, furopyridine, pyrrolopyridine, pyrazolopyridine, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine, imidazopyrazine, imidazopyrimidine, thienopyrimidine, furopyrimidine, pyrrolopyrimidine, pyrazolopyrimidine, oxazolopyrimidine, thiazolopyrimidine, pyrazolopyrimidine, pyrazolotriazine, naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene, phenoxathiin, indole, isoindole, 1H-indazole, purine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, carbazole, β-carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, phenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine and the like.

In the present specification, examples of the “non-aromatic heterocycle” include a 3- to 14-membered (preferably 4- to 10-membered) non-aromatic heterocycle containing, as a ring-constituting atom besides carbon atom, 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom. Preferable examples of the “non-aromatic heterocycle” include 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic heterocycles such as aziridine, oxirane, thiirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, tetrahydrothiophene, tetrahydrofuran, pyrroline, pyrrolidine, imidazoline, imidazolidine, oxazoline, oxazolidine, pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, thiazoline, thiazolidine, tetrahydroisothiazole, tetrahydrooxazole, tetrahydroisoxazole, piperidine, piperazine, tetrahydropyridine, dihydropyridine, dihydrothiopyran, tetrahydropyrimidine, tetrahydropyridazine, dihydropyran, tetrahydropyran, tetrahydrothiopyran, morpholine, thiomorpholine, azepane, diazepane, azepine, azocane, diazocane, oxepane and the like; and

9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi or tricyclic) non-aromatic heterocycles such as dihydrobenzofuran, dihydrobenzimidazole, dihydrobenzoxazole, dihydrobenzothiazole, dihydrobenzisothiazole, dihydronaphtho[2,3-b]thiophene, tetrahydroisoquinoline, tetrahydroquinoline, 4H-quinolizine, indoline, isoindoline, tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine, tetrahydrobenzazepine, tetrahydroquinoxaline, tetrahydrophenanthridine, hexahydrophenothiazine, hexahydrophenoxazine, tetrahydrophthalazine, tetrahydronaphthyridine, tetrahydroquinazoline, tetrahydrocinnoline, tetrahydrocarbazole, tetrahydro-β-carboline, tetrahydroacridine, tetrahydrophenazine, tetrahydrothioxanthene, octahydroisoquinoline and the like.

In the present specification, examples of the “nitrogen-containing heterocycle” include a “heterocycle” containing at least one nitrogen atom as a ring-constituting atom.

In the present specification, examples of the “C₆₋₁₄ aromatic hydrocarbon ring” include anthracene, phenanthrene, acenaphthylene, in addition to those exemplified as the above-mentioned “C₆₋₁₄ aromatic hydrocarbon ring”.

The definition of each symbol in the formula (I) is explained in detail in the following.

Ring A is

(1) an optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring,

(2) an optionally further substituted azetidine ring,

(3) an optionally further substituted pyrrolidine ring,

(4) an optionally further substituted piperidine ring,

(5) an optionally further substituted piperazine ring,

(6) an optionally further substituted benzene ring,

(7) an optionally further substituted thiazole ring,

(8) an optionally further substituted oxazole ring,

(9) an optionally further substituted thiophene ring,

(10) an optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle, or

(11) an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle.

The “bicyclic homocycle” of the “optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle” represented by Ring A is a ring formed by fusion of two rings selected from a C₆₋₁₄ aromatic hydrocarbon ring, a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane and a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkene, and examples thereof include a ring formed by fusion of a benzene ring and a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane (e.g., tetrahydronaphthalene, indane), a ring formed by fusion of a benzene ring and a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkene (e.g., dihydronaphthalene, indene), and the like.

Examples of the “bicyclic fused heterocycle” of the “optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle” represented by Ring A include a 8- to 14-membered fused bicyclic aromatic heterocycle and a 9- to 14-membered fused bicyclic non-aromatic heterocycle.

Examples of the 8- to 14-membered fused bicyclic aromatic heterocycle include benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzisoxazole, benzothiazole, benzisothiazole, benzotriazole, imidazopyridine, thienopyridine, furopyridine, pyrrolopyridine, pyrazolopyridine, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine, imidazopyrazine, imidazopyrimidine, thienopyrimidine, furopyrimidine, pyrrolopyrimidine, pyrazolopyrimidine, oxazolopyrimidine, thiazolopyrimidine, pyrazolopyrimidine, pyrazolotriazine, indole, isoindole, 1H-indazole, purine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline and the like.

Examples of the 9- to 14-membered fused bicyclic non-aromatic heterocycle include dihydrobenzofuran, dihydrobenzimidazole, dihydrobenzoxazole, dihydrobenzothiazole, dihydrobenzisothiazole, tetrahydroisoquinoline, tetrahydroquinoline, 4H-quinolizine, indoline, isoindoline, tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine, tetrahydrobenzazepine, tetrahydroquinoxaline, tetrahydrophthalazine, tetrahydronaphthyridine, tetrahydroquinazoline, tetrahydrocinnoline, octahydroisoquinoline and the like.

The “C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring”, “azetidine ring”, “pyrrolidine ring”, “piperidine ring”, “piperazine ring”, “benzene ring”, “thiazole ring”, “oxazole ring”, “thiophene ring”, “bicyclic homocycle” and “bicyclic fused heterocycle” of the “optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring”, “optionally further substituted azetidine ring”, “optionally further substituted pyrrolidine ring”, “optionally further substituted piperidine ring”, “optionally further substituted piperazine ring”, “optionally further substituted benzene ring”, “optionally further substituted thiazole ring”, “optionally further substituted oxazole ring”, “optionally further substituted thiophene ring”, “optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle” and “optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle” represented by Ring A is optionally further substituted, for example, by substituent(s) selected from the above-mentioned Substituent Group A. The number of the substituents is, for example, 1 to 3. When the number of the substituents is 2 or more, the respective substituents may be the same or different.

Ring A is preferably

(1) an optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane),

(2) an optionally further substituted azetidine ring,

(3) an optionally further substituted piperidine ring,

(4) an optionally further substituted piperazine ring,

(5) an optionally further substituted benzene ring,

(6) an optionally further substituted thiazole ring,

(7) an optionally further substituted oxazole ring,

(8) an optionally further substituted thiophene ring,

(9) an optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene), or

(10) an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole).

Ring A is more preferably an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle (preferably benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole). Ring A is particularly preferably an optionally further substituted benzothiophene ring.

As another embodiment, Ring A is more preferably

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally substituted             by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine             atom), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, indanyloxy (e.g.,             2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a                 halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl                 group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g.,                 methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group                 (preferably a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic                 heterocyclic group (e.g., piperidyl)), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl         groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by             1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),     -   (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane         (e.g., phenyl, indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl)), and         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi- or         tri-cyclic) aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g., indolyl,         benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl))         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl), and     -   (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)),         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) a bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene) optionally further             substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl), or             (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene,             benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole) optionally             further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3         optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl).

In this embodiment, Ring A is further more preferably (1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) an indene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),             (10) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (11) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms         (e.g., a chlorine atom), and     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (12) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom),         (13) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), or         (14) a benzimidazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy groups         (e.g., methoxy).

In this embodiment, Ring A is still more preferably

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl)         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (7) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (8) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (9) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom), or         (10) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl).

Ring A is particularly preferably

(1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy).

As another embodiment, Ring A is more preferably

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally substituted             by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine             atom),     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, indanyloxy (e.g.,             2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a                 halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl                 group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g.,                 methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group                 (preferably a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic                 heterocyclic group (e.g., piperidyl)), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl         groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by             1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),     -   (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane         (e.g., phenyl, indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl)), and         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi- or         tri-cyclic) aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g., indolyl,         benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl))         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl), and     -   (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)),         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) a bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene) optionally further             substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl), or             (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene,             benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole) optionally             further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a chlorine atom),             and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3         optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl).

In this embodiment, Ring A is further more preferably

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) an indene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),             (10) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (11) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms         (e.g., a chlorine atom), and     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (12) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom),         (13) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), or         (14) a benzimidazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy groups         (e.g., methoxy).

In this embodiment, Ring A is still more preferably

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (7) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (8) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (9) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom), or         (10) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl).

In this embodiment, Ring A is even more preferably

(1) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy), or         (2) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a             fluorine atom, a chlorine atom).

In this embodiment, Ring A is particularly preferably

(1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy).

As another embodiment, Ring A is more preferably an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole).

In this embodiment, Ring A is further more preferably an optionally further substituted benzothiophene ring.

Ring D is a ring optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s).

Examples of the “ring” of the “ring optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s)” represented by Ring D include a heterocycle.

Ring D is more preferably a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine) optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s).

Ring D is more preferably a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine).

Ring D is further more preferably an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring.

Ring D is particularly preferably an azetidine ring.

n is 1 or 2.

n is preferably 1.

X is —O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—, —O—CR¹R²— or —NR³—.

R¹, R² and R³ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

Examples of the substituent include substituents selected from the above-mentioned Substituent Group A.

When X is —CR¹R²—O—, the carbon atom in the —CR¹R²—O— is bonded to the adjacent carbon atom that R^(a) and R^(b) are bonded to, and the oxygen atom is bonded to the adjacent carbon atom of the carbonyl group.

When X is —O—CR¹R²—, the oxygen atom in the —O—CR¹R²— is bonded to the adjacent carbon atom that R^(a) and R^(b) are bonded to, and the carbon atom is bonded to the adjacent carbon atom of the carbonyl group.

X is preferably —O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O— or —O—CR¹R²—.

R¹ and R² are preferably both hydrogen atoms.

X is more preferably —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—.

X is further more preferably —O—.

R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s).

R^(a) and R^(b) are preferably both hydrogen atoms.

The combination of Ring D, n, X, R^(a) and R^(b) is

preferably a combination wherein

Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine);

n is 1 or 2;

X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and

R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms,

more preferably a combination wherein

Ring D is an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring;

n is 1 or 2;

X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and

R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms,

further more preferably a combination wherein

Ring D is an azetidine ring;

n is 1;

X is —O—; and

R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.

Preferable examples of compound (I) include the following compounds.

[Compound A-1]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) an optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane),

(2) an optionally further substituted azetidine ring,

(3) an optionally further substituted piperidine ring,

(4) an optionally further substituted piperazine ring,

(5) an optionally further substituted benzene ring,

(6) an optionally further substituted thiazole ring,

(7) an optionally further substituted oxazole ring,

(8) an optionally further substituted thiophene ring,

(9) an optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene), or

(10) an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene, benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole);

Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine) optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s);

n is 1 or 2;

X is —O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O— or —O—CR¹R²—;

R¹ and R² are each independently a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and

R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s).

[Compound B-1]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally substituted             by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine             atom), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, indanyloxy (e.g.,             2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a                 halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl                 group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g.,                 methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group                 (preferably a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic                 heterocyclic group (e.g., piperidyl)), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl         groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by             1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),     -   (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane         (e.g., phenyl, indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl)), and         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi- or         tri-cyclic) aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g., indolyl,         benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl))         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl), and     -   (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)),         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) a bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene) optionally further             substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl), or             (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene,             benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole) optionally             further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3         optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl);         Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing         non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine);         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound C-1]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) an indene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),             (10) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (11) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms         (e.g., a chlorine atom), and     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (12) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom),         (13) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), or         (14) a benzimidazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy groups         (e.g., methoxy);         Ring D is an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring;         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound D-1]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups,         (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (7) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (8) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (9) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom), or         (10) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl);         Ring D is an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring;         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound E-1]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy);         Ring D is an azetidine ring;         n is 1;         X is —O—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound B-2]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally substituted             by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine             atom),     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, indanyloxy (e.g.,             2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a                 halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl                 group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀             cycloalkane (e.g., phenoxy, tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)), and optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally                 substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g.,                 methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group                 (preferably a 3- to 8-membered monocyclic non-aromatic                 heterocyclic group (e.g., piperidyl)), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl         groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by             1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl), and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),     -   (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane         (e.g., phenyl, indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl)), and         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 8- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi- or         tri-cyclic) aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g., indolyl,         benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl))         optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl), and     -   (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group         (preferably a 9- to 14-membered fused polycyclic (preferably bi-         or tri-cyclic) non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         dihydrobenzofuryl)),         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl),         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) a bicyclic homocycle (e.g., indene) optionally further             substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl), or             (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle (e.g., benzothiophene,             benzofuran, benzoxazole, indole, benzimidazole) optionally             further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a chlorine atom),             and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably         a 5- to 6-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,         pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl)) optionally substituted by 1 to 3         optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl);         Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing         non-aromatic heterocycle (e.g., azetidine, pyrrolidine);         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound C-2]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,         trifluoromethyl), and     -   (b) phenyl,         (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom, a bromine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (9) an indene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),             (10) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (11) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms         (e.g., a chlorine atom), and     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (12) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom),         (13) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), or         (14) a benzimidazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy groups         (e.g., methoxy);         Ring D is an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring;         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound D-2]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring (e.g., cyclobutane, cyclohexane) optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and     -   (c) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),             and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom, a bromine atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl), and             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3                 substituents selected from a halogen atom (e.g., a                 fluorine atom) and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl),         -   (ii) indanyloxy (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yloxy), and         -   (iii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy), and     -   (b) benzyloxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),             (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to             3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom), and             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) tetrahydronaphthyloxy (e.g.,             5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy),         -   (iii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents             selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine                 atom),             -   (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,                 methyl, trifluoromethyl),             -   (III) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆                 alkoxy-carbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl), and             -   (IV) piperidyl, and         -   (iv) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and     -   (c) dihydrobenzofuryl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆         alkyl groups (e.g., methyl),         (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,             a fluorine atom),             (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3             substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by         1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) phenoxy optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally             halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) phenyl, and         -   (iii) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy) optionally substituted         by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and         -   (ii) phenyl,     -   (d) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl),         -   (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl             groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (e) indanyl (e.g., 2,3-dihydroinden-5-yl),     -   (f) indolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),     -   (g) benzothiazolyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl),     -   (h) benzisothiazolyl,     -   (i) benzofuryl,     -   (j) benzothienyl, and     -   (k) dihydrobenzofuryl,         (6) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a chlorine atom),     -   (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl), and     -   (c) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             trifluoromethyl),         -   (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally             substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from             -   (I) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom), and             -   (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl)             optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆             alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),             (7) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by             1 to 3 substituents selected from     -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a         bromine atom),     -   (b) a nitro group,     -   (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl,         trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),     -   (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom),         -   (ii) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms             (e.g., a chlorine atom), and         -   (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (e) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from         -   (i) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom),         -   (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g.,             methyl, isopropyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl),         -   (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,             methoxy, trifluoromethoxy), and         -   (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (e.g., cyclopropyl),     -   (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (e.g., cyclohexenyl) optionally         substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a fluorine atom),     -   (h) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, trifluoromethyl),     -   (i) pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl), and     -   (j) thienyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups         (e.g., methyl),         (8) a benzofuran ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a chlorine atom),         (9) a benzoxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g.,         a fluorine atom), or         (10) an indole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   (a) pyridyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally         halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups (e.g., trifluoromethyl);         Ring D is an azetidine ring or a pyrrolidine ring;         n is 1 or 2;         X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound E-2]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a benzothiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy), or         (2) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3         substituents selected from     -   a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl) optionally substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from         -   phenoxy substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms (e.g., a             fluorine atom, a chlorine atom);             Ring D is an azetidine ring;             n is 1;             X is —O—; and             R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.             [Compound F-2]

Compound (I) wherein

Ring A is

(1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from

-   -   (a) a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom), and     -   (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g.,         trifluoromethoxy);         Ring D is an azetidine ring;         n is 1;         X is —O—; and         R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.         [Compound G-2]

2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.

[Compound H-2]

2-((3-chloro-6-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.

[Compound I-2]

2-((3-chloro-4,6-difluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.

Specific examples of compound (I) include the compounds of Examples 1 to 366.

When compound (I) is a salt, examples of the salt include metal salts, ammonium salts, salts with organic base, salts with inorganic acid, salts with organic acid, and salts with basic or acidic amino acid. Preferable examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts, potassium salts and the like; alkali earth metal salts such as calcium salts, magnesium salts, barium salts and the like; and aluminum salts. Preferable examples of the salt with organic base include salts with trimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, picoline, 2,6-lutidine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, cyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine and the like. Preferable examples of the salt with inorganic acid include salts with hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and the like. Preferable examples of the salt with organic acid include salts with formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, phthalic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like. Preferable examples of the salts with basic amino acid include salts with arginine, lysine, ornithine and the like. Preferable examples of the salt with acidic amino acid include salts with aspartic acid, glutamic acid and the like. Among them, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is preferable. For example, when a compound has an acidic functional group, examples of the salt include inorganic salts such as alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium salt, potassium salt etc.), alkaline earth metal salts (e.g., calcium salt, magnesium salt etc.) and the like, ammonium salt etc., and when a compound has a basic functional group, examples of the salt include salts with inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, and salts with organic acid such as acetic acid, phthalic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like.

When compound (I) contains isomers such as tautomers, optical isomers, stereoisomers, position isomers and rotational isomers, any of isomers or mixture are also encompassed in the compound of the present invention. Further, when compound (I) contains an optical isomer, the optical isomer separated from the racemate is encompassed in compound (I).

Compound (I) can be obtained in the crystal form. Either single crystalline form or crystalline mixture can be encompassed in compound (I).

Compound (I) can be a pharmaceutically acceptable co-crystal or a co-crystal salt. The co-crystal or co-crystal salt as used herein means a crystalline material composed of two or more unique solids at room temperature, each of which has distinctive physical characteristics such as structure, melting point, and heats of fusion, hygroscopicity, solubility, and stability. A co-crystal or a co-crystal salt can be produced according to co-crystallization method known per se.

Compound (I) may be a solvate (e.g., a hydrate) or a non-solvate and both are encompassed in compound (I).

Compounds labeled with or substituted by isotopes (e.g., ²H, ³H, ¹¹C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁸F, ³⁵S, ¹²⁵I, etc.) are also encompassed in compound (I). The compound labeled with or substituted by isotopes can be used as, for example, a tracer used for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) (PET tracer), and are expected to be useful in the field of medical diagnosis and the like.

The production method of the compound of the present invention is explained below.

The raw material compound and reagent used and the compound obtained in each step in the following production method may be each in a form of a salt, and examples of such salt include those similar to the salts of the compound of the present invention and the like.

When the compound obtained in each step is a free form, it can be converted to the objective salt according to a method known per se. When the compound obtained in each step is a salt, it can be converted to the objective free form or the other salt according to a method known per se.

The compound obtained in each step can be used directly as the reaction mixture or as a crude product for the next reaction. Alternatively, the compound obtained in each step can be isolated and purified from a reaction mixture according to a method known per se, for example, a separation means such as concentration, crystallization, recrystallization, distillation, solvent extraction, fractional distillation, column chromatography and the like.

When the raw material compound and reagent used in each step are commercially available, the commercially available product can also be used directly.

In the reaction in each step, while the reaction time varies depending on the kind of the reagent and solvent to be used, it is generally 1 min-48 hr, preferably 10 min-8 hr, unless otherwise specified.

In the reaction in each step, while the reaction temperature varies depending on the kind of the reagent and solvent to be used, it is generally −78° C.-300° C., preferably −78° C.-150° C., unless otherwise specified.

In the reaction in each step, while the pressure varies depending on the kind of the reagent and solvent to be used, it is generally 1 atm-20 atm, preferably 1 atm-3 atm, unless otherwise specified.

Microwave synthesizer such as Initiator manufactured by Biotage and the like may be used for the reaction in each step. While the reaction temperature varies depending on the kind of the reagent and solvent to be used, it is generally room temperature-300° C., preferably 50° C.-250° C., unless otherwise specified. While the reaction time varies depending on the kind of the reagent and solvent to be used, it is generally 1 min-48 hr, preferably 1 min-8 hr, unless otherwise specified.

In the reaction in each step, the reagent is used in an amount of 0.5 equivalents-20 equivalents, preferably 0.8 equivalents-5 equivalents, relative to the substrate, unless otherwise specified. When the reagent is used as a catalyst, the reagent is used in an amount of 0.001 equivalent-1 equivalent, preferably 0.01 equivalent-0.2 equivalent, relative to the substrate. When the reagent is used as a reaction solvent, the reagent is used in a solvent amount.

Unless otherwise specified, the reaction in each step is carried out without solvent, or by dissolving or suspending the raw material compound in a suitable solvent. Examples of the solvent include those described in Examples and the following solvents.

alcohols: methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol and the like;

ethers: diethyl ether, diphenyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and the like;

aromatic hydrocarbons: chlorobenzene, toluene, xylene and the like;

saturated hydrocarbons: cyclohexane, hexane and the like;

amides: N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone and the like;

halogenated hydrocarbons: dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride and the like;

nitriles: acetonitrile and the like;

sulfoxides: dimethyl sulfoxide and the like;

aromatic organic bases: pyridine and the like;

anhydrides: acetic anhydride and the like;

organic acids: formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and the like;

inorganic acids: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and the like;

esters: ethyl acetate and the like;

ketones: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like;

water.

The above-mentioned solvent can be used in a mixture of two or more kinds thereof in an appropriate ratio.

When a base is used for the reaction in each step, examples thereof include those described in Examples and the following bases.

inorganic bases: sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate and the like;

organic bases: triethylamine, diethylamine, pyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene, imidazole, piperidine and the like;

metal alkoxides: sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide and the like;

alkali metal hydrides: sodium hydride and the like;

metal amides: sodium amide, lithium diisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide and the like;

organic lithiums: n-butyllithium and the like.

When an acid or an acid catalyst is used for the reaction in each step, examples thereof include those described in Examples and the following acids and acid catalysts.

inorganic acids: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid and the like;

organic acids: acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, citric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, 10-camphorsulfonic acid and the like;

Lewis acid: boron trifluoride diethyl ether complex, zinc iodide, anhydrous aluminum chloride, anhydrous zinc chloride, anhydrous iron chloride and the like.

Unless otherwise specified, the reaction in each step is carried out according to a method known per se, for example, the method described in Jikken Kagaku Kouza, 5th Edition, vol. 13-19 (the Chemical Society of Japan ed.); Shin Jikken Kagaku Kouza, vol. 14-15 (the Chemical Society of Japan ed.); Fine Organic Chemistry, Revised 2nd Edition (L. F. Tietze, Th. Eicher, Nankodo); Organic Name Reactions, the Reaction Mechanism and Essence, Revised Edition (Hideo Togo, Kodansha); ORGANIC SYNTHESES Collective Volume I-VII (John Wiley & Sons Inc.); Modern Organic Synthesis in the Laboratory A Collection of Standard Experimental Procedures (Jie Jack Li, OXFORD UNIVERSITY); Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry III, Vol. 1-Vol. 14 (Elsevier Japan); Strategic Applications of Named Reactions in Organic Synthesis (translated by Kiyoshi Tomioka, Kagakudojin); Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc.), 1989, or the like, or the method described in Examples.

In each step, the protection or deprotection reaction of an functional group is carried out according to a method known per se, for example, the method described in “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th Ed”, Wiley-Interscience, Inc., 2007 (Theodora W. Greene, Peter G. M. Wuts); “Protecting Groups 3rd Ed.” Thieme, 2004 (P. J. Kocienski), or the like, or the method described in Examples.

Examples of the protecting group for a hydroxy group of an alcohol and the like and a phenolic hydroxy group include ether-type protecting groups such as methoxymethyl ether, benzyl ether, tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether, tetrahydropyranyl ether and the like; carboxylate ester-type protecting groups such as acetate ester and the like; sulfonate ester-type protecting groups such as methanesulfonate ester and the like; carbonate ester-type protecting groups such as tert-butylcarbonate and the like, and the like.

Examples of the protecting group for a carbonyl group of an aldehyde include acetal-type protecting groups such as dimethylacetal and the like; cyclic acetal-type protecting groups such as 1,3-dioxane and the like, and the like.

Examples of the protecting group for a carbonyl group of a ketone include ketal-type protecting groups such as dimethylketal and the like; cyclic ketal-type protecting groups such as 1,3-dioxane and the like; oxime-type protecting groups such as O-methyloxime and the like; hydrazone-type protecting groups such as N,N-dimethylhydrazone and the like, and the like.

Examples of the protecting group for a carboxyl group include ester-type protecting groups such as methyl ester and the like; amide-type protecting groups such as N,N-dimethylamide and the like, and the like.

Examples of the protecting group for a thiol include ether-type protecting groups such as benzyl thioether and the like; ester-type protecting groups such as thioacetate ester, thiocarbonate, thiocarbamate and the like, and the like.

Examples of the protecting group for an amino group and an aromatic heterocycle such as imidazole, pyrrole, indole and the like include carbamate-type protecting groups such as benzyl carbamate and the like; amide-type protecting groups such as acetamide and the like; alkyl amine-type protecting groups such as N-triphenylmethylamine and the like; sulfonamide-type protecting groups such as methanesulfonamide and the like, and the like.

The protecting groups can be removed according to a method known per se, for example, by employing a method using acid, base, ultraviolet rays, hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, palladium acetate, trialkylsilyl halide (e.g., trimethylsilyl iodide, trimethylsilyl bromide) and the like, a reduction method, and the like.

When reduction reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the reducing agent to be used include metal hydrides such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium triacetoxyborohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride, diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H), sodium borohydride, tetramethylammonium triacetoxyborohydride and the like; boranes such as borane tetrahydrofuran complex and the like; Raney nickel; Raney cobalt; hydrogen; formic acid; triethylsilane and the like. When carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond is reduced, a method using a catalyst such as palladium-carbon, Lindlar's catalyst and the like may be employed.

When oxidation reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the oxidizing agent to be used include peroxides such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA), hydrogen peroxide, tert-butylhydroperoxide and the like; perchlorates such as tetrabutylammonium perchlorate and the like; chlorates such as sodium chlorate and the like; chlorites such as sodium chlorite and the like; periodates such as sodium periodate and the like; hypervalent iodine reagents such as iodosylbenzene and the like; reagents containing manganese such as manganese dioxide, potassium permanganate and the like; leads such as lead tetraacetate and the like; reagents containing chromium such as pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), pyridinium dichromate (PDC), Jones reagent and the like; halogen compounds such as N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and the like; oxygen; ozone; sulfur trioxide-pyridine complex; osmium tetroxide; selenium dioxide; 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and the like.

When radical cyclization reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the radical initiator to be used include azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and the like; water-soluble radical initiators such as 4-4′-azobis-4-cyanopentanoic acid (ACPA) and the like; triethylboron in the presence of air or oxygen; benzoyl peroxide and the like. Examples of the radical reagent to be used include tributylstannane, tristrimethylsilylsilane, 1,1,2,2-tetraphenyldisilane, diphenylsilane, samarium iodide and the like.

When Wittig reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the Wittig reagent to be used include alkylidene phosphoranes and the like. The alkylidene phosphoranes can be prepared according to a method known per se, for example, by reacting a phosphonium salt with a strong base.

When Horner-Emmons reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the reagent to be used include phosphonoacetates such as methyl dimethylphosphonoacetate, ethyl diethylphosphonoacetate and the like; and bases such as alkali metal hydrides, organic lithiums and the like.

When Friedel-Crafts reaction is carried out in each step, a combination of a Lewis acid and an acid chloride or a combination of a Lewis acid and an alkylating agent (e.g., an alkyl halide, an alcohol, an olefin etc.) is used as a reagent. Alternatively, an organic acid or an inorganic acid can also be used instead of a Lewis acid, and an anhydride such as acetic anhydride and the like can also be used instead of an acid chloride.

When aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction is carried out in each step, a nucleophile (e.g., an amine, imidazole etc.) and a base (e.g., an inorganic base, an organic base etc.) are used as a reagent.

When nucleophilic addition reaction by a carbo anion, nucleophilic 1,4-addition reaction (Michael addition reaction) by a carbo anion or nucleophilic substitution reaction by a carbo anion is carried out in each step, and examples of the base to be used for generation of the carbo anion include organic lithiums, metal alkoxides, inorganic bases, organic bases and the like.

When Grignard reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the Grignard reagent to be used include arylmagnesium halides such as phenylmagnesium bromide and the like; and alkylmagnesium halides such as methylmagnesium bromide and the like. The Grignard reagent can be prepared according to a method known per se, for example, by reacting an alkyl halide or an aryl halide with a metal magnesium in an ether or tetrahydrofuran as a solvent.

When Knoevenagel condensation reaction is carried out in each step, a compound having an activated methylene group with two electron withdrawing groups (e.g., malonic acid, diethyl malonate, malononitrile etc.) and a base (e.g., an organic base, a metal alkoxide, an inorganic base) are used as a reagent.

When Vilsmeier-Haack reaction is carried out in each step, phosphoryl chloride and an amide derivative (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide etc.) are used as a reagent.

When azidation reaction of an alcohol, an alkyl halide or a sulfonate is carried out in each step, examples of the azidating agent to be used include diphenylphosphorylazide (DPPA), trimethylsilylazide, sodium azide and the like. For example, for the azidation reaction of an alcohol, a method using diphenylphosphorylazide and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), a method using trimethylsilylazide and a Lewis acid, and the like are employed.

When reductive amination reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the reducing agent to be used include sodium triacetoxyborohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride, hydrogen, formic acid and the like. When the substrate is an amine compound, examples of the carbonyl compound to be used include paraformaldehyde, aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and the like, and ketones such as cyclohexanone and the like. When the substrate is a carbonyl compound, examples of the amine to be used include ammonia, primary amines such as methylamine and the like; secondary amines such as dimethylamine and the like, and the like.

When Mitsunobu reaction is carried out in each step, an azodicarboxylate (e.g., diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD), diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) etc.) and triphenylphosphine, tri-n-butylphosphine and the like are used as a reagent.

When esterification reaction, amidation reaction or urea formation reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the reagent to be used include acyl halides such as acid chlorides, acid bromides and the like; activated carboxylic acids such as anhydrides, activated esters, sulfates and the like. Examples of the activating agent of the carboxylic acid include carbodiimide condensing agents such as 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI) and the like; triazine condensing agents such as 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride n-hydrate (DMT-MM) and the like; carbonate condensing agents such as 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and the like; diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA); benzotriazol-1-yloxy-trisdimethylaminophosphonium salt (BOP reagent); 2-chloro-1-methyl-pyridinium iodide (Mukaiyama reagent); thionyl chloride; lower alkyl haloformates such as ethyl chloroformate and the like; O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphorate (HATU); sulfuric acid; combinations thereof and the like. When carbodiimide condensing agent is used, an additive such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N-hydroxysuccinimide (HOSu), dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and the like may be added to the reaction system.

When coupling reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the metal catalyst to be used include palladium compounds such as palladium(II) acetate, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II), dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)palladium(II), tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene palladium(II) chloride, palladium(II) acetate and the like; nickel compounds such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(0) and the like; rhodium compounds such as tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(III) chloride and the like; cobalt compounds; copper compounds such as copper oxide, copper(I) iodide and the like; platinum compounds and the like. In addition, a base can be added to the reaction system, and examples thereof include inorganic bases, metal alkoxides and the like.

When thiocarbonylation reaction is carried out in each step, phosphorus pentasulfide is typically used as the thiocarbonylating agent. Alternatively, a reagent having a 1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane-2,4-disulfide structure (e.g., 2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane-2,4-disulfide (Lawesson reagent) etc.) can also be used instead of phosphorus pentasulfide.

When Wohl-Ziegler reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the halogenating agent to be used include N-iodosuccinimide, N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS), bromine, sulfuryl chloride and the like. In addition, the reaction can be accelerated by subjecting a radical initiator such as heat, light, benzoyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile and the like to the reaction system reaction.

When halogenation reaction of a hydroxy group is carried out in each step, examples of the halogenating agent to be used include hydrohalic acids and acid halides of inorganic acids, specifically, hydrochloric acid, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride and the like for chlorination, 48% hydrobromic acid and the like for bromination. In addition, a method of producing an alkyl halide by reacting an alcohol with triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrachloride or carbon tetrabromide or the like can be employed. Alternatively, a method of producing an alkyl halide via two step comprising converting an alcohol to the corresponding sulfonate, and then reacting the sulfonate with lithium bromide, lithium chloride or sodium iodide can also be employed.

When Arbuzov reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the reagent to be used include alkyl halides such as ethyl bromoacetate and the like; and phosphites such as triethyl phosphite, tri(isopropyl) phosphite and the like.

When sulfonate esterification reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the sulfonating agent to be used include methanesulfonyl chloride, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, methanesulfonic anhydride, p-toluenesulfonic anhydride and the like.

When hydrolysis reaction is carried out in each step, an acid or a base is used as a reagent. For acid hydrolysis reaction of tert-butyl ester, formic acid, triethylsilane and the like may be added to reductively-trap tert-butyl cation which is by-produced.

When dehydration reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the dehydrating agent to be used include sulfuric acid, diphosphorus pentaoxide, phosphorus oxychloride, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, alumina, polyphosphoric acid and the like.

When alkylation reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the base to be used include potassium carbonate, tripotassium phosphate, triethylamine, N,N-diisopropylethylamine, pyridine, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride, lithiumhexamethyldisilazide, sodium hexamethyldisilazide, n-butyllithium and the like.

When deoxofluorination reaction is carried out in each step, examples of the fluorinating agent to be used include bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride, diethylaminosulfur trifluoride, 4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenylsulfur trifluoride, N,N-diethyl-S,S-difluorosulfiliminium tetrafluoroborate, difluoro-4-morpholinylsulfonium tetrafluoroborate and the like.

When Hofmann rearrangement reaction is carried out in each step, Examples of the reagent include lead tetraacetate, iodobenzene diacetate and the like.

Compound (I) having the structure represented by compound (7), (14), (18) or (19) as Ring A, and compound (I) having the bicyclic fused heterocycle structure constituting compound (24), (31) or (35) as Ring A, can be produced according Production Methods A to H explained below.

Each symbol in the formulas of the schemes is as defined above, unless otherwise specified. In the formulas, m and k are each independently 0 or 1. R⁴ to R⁸ are each independently a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, etc.). R⁹ and R¹¹ are each a substituent. Examples of the substituent include substituents selected from the above-mentioned Substituent Group A. R¹⁰ and R¹² to R¹⁴ are each an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl etc.). Y is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom. Ring E, F, G, H, J, L, Q, T, U and V are each an optionally further substituted ring. Examples of the ring include a hydrocarbon ring and a heterocycle. The above-mentioned C₁₋₆ alkyl group and ring each optionally have 1 to 3 substituents selected from Substituent Group A. P¹ to P⁵ are each a “protecting group for an amino group”. Examples of the “protecting group for an amino group” include tert-butoxycarbonyl group and the like, in addition to those exemplified as the above-mentioned protecting group for an amino group. P⁶ is a “protecting group for a hydroxyl group”. LG¹ to LG⁶ are each a “leaving group”. Examples of the “leaving group” include a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom etc.), an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkylsulfonyloxy group (e.g., methanesulfonyloxy, ethanesulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy etc.), an optionally substituted C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyloxy group [e.g., a C₆₋₁₄ arylsulfonyloxy group optionally having 1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group (e.g., methyl, etc.), a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, etc.) and a nitro group, and the like, and specific examples thereof include benzenesulfonyloxy, m-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy, p-toluenesulfonyloxy, naphthylsulfonyloxy and the like] and the like.

R⁴ to R⁹, R¹¹ and Rings E, G, J, L, Q, T, U and V do not go beyond the definition of ring A as a whole. In other words, compounds (7), (14), (18) and (19), and the bicyclic fused heterocycle structures constituting compounds (24), (31) and (35) are included in the scope of Ring A.

[Production Method A]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (2) according to the following method.

Compound (I) can be produced by subjecting compound (7) to an ureation reaction. Examples of the urea agent include triphosgene and the like.

[Production Method B]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (9) according to the following method.

Compound (I) can be produced by subjecting compound (14) to an ureation reaction. Examples of the urea agent include triphosgene and the like.

[Production Method C]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (15) according to the following method.

Compound (I) can be produced by subjecting compound (18) to an ureation reaction. Examples of the urea agent include triphosgene and the like.

[Production Method D]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (19) according to the following method.

Compound (I) can be produced by subjecting compound (19) to an ureation reaction. Examples of the urea agent include triphosgene and the like.

[Production Method E]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (20) according to the following method.

[Production Method F]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (21) or compound (25) according to the following method.

Compound (24) can be produced by subjecting compound (23) to a cyclization reaction, followed by a hydrolysis reaction. Examples of the reagent for the cyclization reaction include a combination of thionyl chloride and the like and a base (pyridine, etc.).

[Production Method G]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (26) according to the following method.

Compound (30) can be produced by subjecting compound (28) to a cyclization reaction under basic condition. Examples of the nucleophile include ethyl thioglycolate and the like. Examples of the base include triethylamine and the like.

[Production Method H]

Compound (I) can be produced from compound (32) according to the following method.

Compound (33) can be produced by subjecting compound (32) to a cyclization reaction under basic condition. Examples of the nucleophile include ethyl thioglycolate and the like. Examples of the base include triethylamine and the like.

Amine (8) used in each production method can be produced from compound (36) according to the following method.

Compound (37) can be produced by subjecting compound (36) to a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Examples of the nucleophile include sodium nitrite and the like. Compound (38) can be produced by subjecting compound (37) to an aldol reaction in the presence of a base. Examples of the electrophile include formalin, acetaldehyde and the like, and examples of the base include triethylamine and the like. Compound (40) can be produced by subjecting compound (39) to a cyclization reaction in the presence of a base. Examples of the cyclizating agent include triphosgene, chloroacetyl chloride and the like, and examples of the base include triethylamine and the like.

Amine (8) used in each production method can be produced from compound (37) according to the following method.

Compound (43) can be produced by subjecting compound (41) to a reduction reaction, followed by a cyclization reaction. Examples of the reducing agent include a combination of sodium borohydride and nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate, Raney nickel under hydrogen atmosphere, and the like. The cyclization reaction proceeds in the presence of a base. Examples of the base include potassium carbonate and the like.

Amine (8) used in each production method can be produced from compound (44) according to the following method.

The starting compound and/or production intermediate for compound (I) may form a salt. The salt is not particularly limited as long as the reaction can be performed. Examples thereof include those similar to the salts optionally formed by compound (I), and the like.

As for the configurational isomers (E, Z forms) of compound (I), they can be isolated and purified when isomerization occurs, for example, according to a conventional separation means such as extraction, recrystallization, distillation, chromatography and the like to obtain a pure compound. In addition, the corresponding pure isomer can also be obtained by isomerizing a double bond using heating, an acid catalyst, a transition metal complex, a metal catalyst, a radical catalyst, light irradiation, a strong base catalyst and the like, according to the method described in Shin Jikken Kagaku Kouza 14 (The Chemical Society of Japan ed.), pages 251 to 253, 4th Edition Jikken Kagaku Kouza 19 (The Chemical Society of Japan ed.), pages 273 to 274 or a method analogous thereto.

Compound (I) contains a stereoisomer depending on the kind of a substituent, and each stereoisomer and a mixture thereof are encompassed in the present invention.

Compound (I) may be a hydrate or a non-hydrate.

When desired, compound (I) can be synthesized by performing deprotection reaction, acylation reaction, alkylation reaction, Mitsunobu reaction, hydrogenation reaction, oxidation reaction, reduction reaction, reaction of carbon chain extension, halogenation reaction, substituent exchange reaction, coupling reaction, nucleophilic addition reaction by a carbo anion, Grignard reagent and deoxofluorination reaction singly or two or more thereof in combination.

When the objective product is obtained as a free form by the above-mentioned reaction, it can be converted to a salt according to a conventional method, or when the objective product is obtained as a salt, it can be converted to a free form or other salt according to a conventional method. The thus-obtained compound (I) can also be isolated and purified from a reaction mixture according to a known method such as phase transfer, concentration, solvent extraction, distillation, crystallization, recrystallization, chromatography and the like.

When compound (I) contains a configurational isomer, a diastereomer, a conformer and the like, each can be isolated according to the above-mentioned separation and purification methods, if desired. In addition, when compound (I) is racemic, d-form and l-form can be isolated according to a conventional optical resolution.

The thus-obtained compound (I), other reaction intermediate therefor and starting compounds thereof can be isolated and purified from a reaction mixture according to a method known per se, for example, extraction, concentration, neutralization, filtration, distillation, recrystallization, column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, preparative high performance liquid chromatography (preparative HPLC), moderate-pressure preparative liquid chromatography (moderate-pressure preparative LC) and the like.

A salt of compound (I) can be produced according to a method known per se. For example, when compound (I) is a basic compound, it can be produced by adding an inorganic acid or organic acid, or when compound (I) is an acidic compound, by adding an organic base or inorganic base.

When compound (I) contains an optical isomer, each optical isomer and a mixture thereof are encompassed in the scope of the present invention, and these isomers can be subjected to optical resolution or can be produced respectively, according to a method known per se, if desired.

When compound (I) contains a configurational isomer, a diastereomer, a conformer and the like, each can be isolated according to the above-mentioned separation and purification methods, if desired. In addition, when compound (I) is racemic, S-form and R-form can be isolated according to a conventional optical resolution.

When compound (I) contains a stereoisomer, each isomer and a mixture thereof are encompassed in the present invention.

The compound of the present invention is expected to be useful for mammals (e.g., mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, cat, dog, bovine, sheep, monkey, human etc.) as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases, for example,

(1) psychiatric diseases [e.g., depression, major depression, bipolar depression, dysthymic disorder, emotional disorder (seasonal affective disorder and the like), recurrent depression, postpartum depression, stress disorder, depression symptom, mania, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety syndrome, panic disorder, phobia, social phobia, social anxiety disorder, obsessive disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, Tourette syndrome, autism, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, neurosis, schizophrenia (e.g., positive symptom, negative symptom, cognitive impairment), chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety neurosis, compulsive neurosis, panic disorder, epilepsy, anxiety disorder, anxiety, anxious mental state, emotional abnormality, cyclothymia, nervous erethism, faint, addiction, low sex drive, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychotic major depression, refractory major depression, treatment-resistant depression, depressive disorder, catalepsy, hebephrenic schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia], (2) neurodegenerative diseases [e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer-type senile dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multi-infarct dementia, frontotemporal dementia, dementia Parkinson's type, progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's syndrome, Niemann-Pick syndrome, corticobasal degeneration, Down's disease, vascular dementia, postencephalitic parkinsonism, Lewy body dementia, HIV dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neurogenesis disease (MND), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or prion disease, cerebral palsy, progressive supranuclear palsy, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), postoperative delirium (POD), delirium], (3) age-related cognition memory disorders [e.g., age-related memory disorders, senile dementia], (4) sleep disorders [e.g., intrinsic sleep disorders (e.g., psychophysiological insomnia and the like), extrinsic sleep disorder, circadian rhythm disorders (e.g., time zone change syndrome (jet lag), shift work sleep disorder, irregular sleep-wake pattern, delayed sleep phase syndrome, advanced sleep phase syndrome, non-24-hour sleep-wake and the like), parasomnia, sleep disorders associated with internal medical or psychiatric disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular dementia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety neurosis), stress insomnia, insomnia, insomniac neurosis, sleep apnea syndrome], (5) respiratory depression caused by anesthetics, traumatic disease, or neurodegenerative disease and the like, (6) traumatic brain injury, cerebral apoplexy, neurotic anorexia, eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, hyperorexia, other eating disorder, alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, alcoholic amnesia, alcohol paranoia, alcohol preference, alcohol withdrawal, alcoholic insanity, alcohol poisoning, alcoholic jealousy, alcoholic mania, alcohol-dependent psychiatric disorder, alcoholic insanity, pharmacophilia, pharmacophobia, pharmacomania, drug withdrawal, stress headache, catatonic headache, diabetic neuropathy, obesity, diabetes, muscular spasm, Meniere's disease, autonomic ataxia, alopecia, glaucoma, hypertension, cardiac disease, tachycardia, congestive cardiac failure, hyperventilation, bronchial asthma, apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, inflammatory disease, allergic disease, impotence, climacteric disorder, infertility, neoplasms (e.g., cancer, liver neoplasms, colonic neoplasms, breast neoplasms, prostatic neoplasms, neuroblastoma, bone neoplasms, mouth neoplasms, mastocytoma, cholangiocarcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma etc.), immunodeficiency syndrome caused by HIV infection, immunodeficiency syndrome caused by stress, cerebrospinal meningitis, acromegaly, incontinence, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, stress gastrointestinal disorder, stress vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, postoperative ileus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, functional dyspepsia, hyperalgesia, insulin resistance, dementia pugilistica, nausea, vomiting, neoplasm metastasis, brain injuries, seizure, body weight changes, weight gain, weight loss, colitis, alcoholism, hypothermia, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, infection, muscle spasticity, hypertension, stroke, malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy, diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, visceral obesity, ocular hypotension, anorexia, fibrosis, myocardial infarction, cachexia, induced psychotic disorder, ataxia, AIDS wasting syndrome, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, uremic pruritus, neurobehavioral manifestations, Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome, interstitial cystitis, retinitis pigmentosa, autoimmune diseases, coronary artery disease, aspirin-induced asthma, platelet storage pool deficiency, diabetic embryopathy, Arthus type urticaria, asthma, toxic oil syndrome, otitis and the like, (7) pain (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, central pain, fibromyalgia, vassooclussive painful crises in sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis-mediated spasticity or pain, functional chest pain, complex regional pain syndrome etc.), (8) migraine, (9) cerebral edema, (10) cerebral ischemia, ischemia, and the like.

Since the compound of the present invention has a superior MAGL inhibitory action, a superior prophylactic or therapeutic effect for the above-mentioned diseases may be expected.

Since the compound of the present invention has a superior MAGL inhibitory action, a superior prophylactic or therapeutic effect for neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like, particularly Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain, epilepsy or depression may be expected.

Compound (I) can be used as a prodrug.

A prodrug of compound (I) means a compound which is converted to compound (I) with a reaction due to an enzyme, an gastric acid, etc. under the physiological condition in the living body, that is, a compound which is converted to compound (I) with oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, etc. according to an enzyme; a compound which is converted to compound (I) by hydrolysis etc. due to gastric acid, etc.

A prodrug for compound (I) may be a compound obtained by subjecting an amino group in compound (I) to an acylation, alkylation or phosphorylation (e.g., a compound obtained by subjecting an amino group in compound (I) to an eicosanoylation, alanylation, pentylaminocarbonylation, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methoxycarbonylation, tetrahydrofuranylation, pyrrolidylmethylation, pivaloyloxymethylation or tert-butylation, etc.); a compound obtained by subjecting a hydroxy group in compound (I) to an acylation, alkylation, phosphorylation or boration (e.g., a compound obtained by subjecting an hydroxy group in compound (I) to an acetylation, palmitoylation, propanoylation, pivaloylation, succinylation, fumarylation, alanylation or dimethylaminomethylcarbonylation, etc.); a compound obtained by subjecting a carboxyl group in compound (I) to an esterification or amidation (e.g., a compound obtained by subjecting a carboxyl group in compound (I) to an ethyl esterification, phenyl esterification, carboxymethyl esterification, dimethylaminomethyl esterification, pivaloyloxymethyl esterification, ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl esterification, phthalidyl esterification, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methyl esterification, cyclohexyloxycarbonylethyl esterification or methylamidation, etc.) and the like. Any of these compounds can be produced from compound (I) by a method known per se. The prodrug of compound (I) may be a compound that converts to compound (I) under physiological conditions as described in Development of Pharmaceutical Products, vol. 7, Molecule Design, 163-198, Hirokawa Shoten (1990).

The compound of the present invention is superior in vivo kinetics (e.g., plasma drug half-life, intracerebral transferability, metabolic stability), shows low toxicity (e.g., more superior as a medicament in terms of acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, genetic toxicity, reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, drug interaction, carcinogenicity etc.). The compound of the present invention is directly used as a medicament or a pharmaceutical composition mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or the like to be orally or parenterally administered to mammals (e.g., humans, monkeys, cows, horses, pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs, sheep and goats) in safety. Examples of the “parenteral” include intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-organ, intranasal, intradermal, instillation, intracerebral, intrarectal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal and intratumor administrations, administration to the vicinity of tumor etc. and direct administration to the lesion.

While the dose of the compound of the present invention varies depending on the administration route, symptom and the like, when, for example, the compound is orally administered to a patient with Alzheimer's disease (adult, body weight 40-80 kg, for example, 60 kg), it is, for example, 0.001-1000 mg/kg body weight/day, preferably 0.01-100 mg/kg body weight/day, more preferably 0.1-10 mg/kg body weight/day. This amount can be administered in 1 to 3 portions per day.

A medicament containing the compound of the present invention can be used alone or as a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier according to a method known per se as a production method of a pharmaceutical preparation (e.g., the method described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia etc.). A medicament containing the compound of the present invention can be safely administered in the form of, for example, tablet (including sugar-coated tablet, film-coated tablet, sublingual tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, buccal and the like), pill, powder, granule, capsule (including soft capsule, microcapsule), troche, syrup, liquid, emulsion, suspension, release control preparation (e.g., immediate-release preparation, sustained-release preparation, sustained-release microcapsule), aerosol, film (e.g., orally disintegrating film, oral mucosa-adhesive film), injection (e.g., subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, intraperitoneal injection), drip infusion, transdermal absorption type preparation, ointment, lotion, adhesive preparation, suppository (e.g., rectal suppository, vaginal suppository), pellet, nasal preparation, pulmonary preparation (inhalant), eye drop and the like, orally or parenterally (e.g., intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraorgan, intranasal, intradermal, instillation, intracerebral, intrarectal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal administrations, and administration to the lesion).

As the aforementioned “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier”, various organic or inorganic carriers conventionally used as preparation materials (starting materials) can be used. For example, excipient, lubricant, binder, disintegrant and the like are used for solid preparations, and solvent, solubilizing agent, suspending agent, isotonicity agent, buffer, soothing agent and the like are used for liquid preparations. Where necessary, preparation additives such as preservative, antioxidant, colorant, sweetening agent and the like can also be used.

Examples of the excipient include lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, starch, corn starch, crystalline cellulose, light anhydrous silicic acid and the like.

Examples of the lubricant include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, colloidal silica and the like.

Examples of the binder include crystalline cellulose, white sugar, D-mannitol, dextrin, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, starch, sucrose, gelatin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and the like.

Examples of the disintegrant include starch, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, L-hydroxypropylcellulose and the like.

Examples of the solvent include water for injection, alcohol, propylene glycol, Macrogol, sesame oil, corn oil, olive oil and the like.

Examples of the solubilizing agent include polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, D-mannitol, benzyl benzoate, ethanol, trisaminomethane, cholesterol, triethanolamine, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and the like.

Examples of the suspending agent include surfactants such as stearyl triethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, laurylaminopropionic acid, lecithin, benzalkonium chloride, benzetonium chloride, glycerin monostearate and the like; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and the like; and the like.

Examples of the isotonicity agent include glucose, D-sorbitol, sodium chloride, glycerin, D-mannitol and the like.

Examples of the buffer include buffer solutions such as phosphates, acetates, carbonates, citrates and the like.

Examples of the soothing agent include benzyl alcohol and the like.

Examples of the preservative include p-oxybenzoates, chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, sorbic acid and the like.

Examples of the antioxidant include sulfite, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and the like.

While the pharmaceutical composition varies according to the dosage form, administration method, carrier and the like, it can be produced according to a conventional method by adding the compound of the present invention in a proportion of generally 0.01-100% (w/w), preferably 0.1-95% (w/w), of the total amount of the preparation.

The compound of the present invention can be used in combination with other active ingredients (hereinafter to be abbreviated as concomitant drug).

Examples of the concomitant drug include the following. benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, potassium clorazepate, lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam etc.), L-type calcium channel inhibitor (pregabalin etc.), tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant (imipramine hydrochloride, amitriptyline hydrochloride, desipramine hydrochloride, clomipramine hydrochloride etc.), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluvoxamine maleate, fluoxetine hydrochloride, citalopram hydrobromide, sertraline hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, escitalopram oxalate etc.), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (venlafaxine hydrochloride, duloxetine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine hydrochloride etc.), noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (reboxetine mesylate etc.), noradrenaline-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (bupropion hydrochloride etc.), mirtazapine, trazodone hydrochloride, nefazodone hydrochloride, bupropion hydrochloride, setiptiline maleate, 5-HT_(1A) agonist (buspirone hydrochloride, tandospirone citrate, osemozotan hydrochloride etc.), 5-HT₃ antagonist (Cyamemazine etc.), heart non-selective β inhibitor (propranolol hydrochloride, oxprenolol hydrochloride etc.), histamine H₁ antagonist (hydroxyzine hydrochloride etc.), therapeutic drug for schizophrenia (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, sulpiride, clozapine, trifluoperazine hydrochloride, fluphenazine hydrochloride, olanzapine, quetiapine fumarate, risperidone, aripiprazole etc.), CRF antagonist, other antianxiety drug (meprobamate etc.), tachykinin antagonist (MK-869, saredutant etc.), medicament that acts on metabotropic glutamate receptor, CCK antagonist, β3 adrenaline antagonist (amibegron hydrochloride etc.), GAT-1 inhibitor (tiagabine hydrochloride etc.), N-type calcium channel inhibitor, carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor, NMDA glycine moiety agonist, NMDA antagonist (memantine etc.), peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist, vasopressin antagonist, vasopressin V1b antagonist, vasopressin Via antagonist, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, opioid antagonist, opioid agonist, uridine, nicotinic acid receptor agonist, thyroid hormone (T3, T4), TSH, TRH, MAO inhibitor (phenelzine sulfate, tranylcypromine sulfate, moclobemide etc.), 5-HT_(2A) antagonist, 5-HT_(2A) inverse agonist, COMT inhibitor (entacapone etc.), therapeutic drug for bipolar disorder (lithium carbonate, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, riluzole, felbamate etc.), cannabinoid CB1 antagonist (rimonabant etc.), FAAH inhibitor, sodium channel inhibitor, anti-ADHD drug (methylphenidate hydrochloride, methamphetamine hydrochloride etc.), therapeutic drug for alcoholism, therapeutic drug for autism, therapeutic drug for chronic fatigue syndrome, therapeutic drug for spasm, therapeutic drug for fibromyalgia syndrome, therapeutic drug for headache, therapeutic drug for insomnia (etizolam, zopiclone, triazolam, zolpidem, ramelteon, indiplon etc.), therapeutic drug for quitting smoking, therapeutic drug for myasthenia gravis, therapeutic drug for cerebral infarction, therapeutic drug for mania, therapeutic drug for hypersomnia, therapeutic drug for pain, therapeutic drug for dysthymia, therapeutic drug for autonomic ataxia, therapeutic drug for male and female sexual dysfunction, therapeutic drug for migraine, therapeutic drug for pathological gambler, therapeutic drug for restless legs syndrome, therapeutic drug for substance addiction, therapeutic drug for alcohol-related syndrome, therapeutic drug for irritable bowel syndrome, therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease (donepezil, galanthamine, memantine, rivastigmine etc.), therapeutic drug for Parkinson's disease (levodopa, carbidopa, benserazide, selegiline, zonisamide, entacapone, amantadine, talipexole, pramipexole, apomorphine, cabergoline, bromocriptine, istradefylline, trihexyphenidyl, promethazine, pergolide, etc.), therapeutic drug for Huntington's disease (chlorpromazine hydrochloride, haloperidol, reserpine etc.), therapeutic drug for ALS (riluzole etc., neurotrophic factor etc.), therapeutic drug for multiple sclerosis (molecular target drug such as fingolimod, interferon beta 1b, natalizumab and the like, etc.), antiepilepsy drug (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, zonisamide, sodium valproate, ethosuximide, diazepam, nitrazepam, clonazepam, clobazam, gabapentin, topiramate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, stiripentol, rufinamide, etc.), therapeutic drug for lipid abnormality such as cholesterol-lowering drug (statin series (pravastatin sodium, atrovastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin etc.), fibrate (clofibrate etc.), squalene synthetase inhibitor), therapeutic drug for abnormal behavior or suppressant of dromomania due to dementia (sedatives, antianxiety drug etc.), apoptosis inhibitor, antiobesity drug, therapeutic drug for diabetes, therapeutic drug for hypertension, therapeutic drug for hypotension, therapeutic drug for rheumatism (DMARD), anti-cancer agent, therapeutic drug for parathyroid (PTH), calcium receptor antagonist, sex hormone or a derivative thereof (progesterone, estradiol, estradiol benzoate etc.), neuronal differentiation promoter, nerve regeneration promoter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (meloxicam, tenoxicam, indomethacin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, rofecoxib, aspirin etc.), steroid (dexamethasone, cortisone acetate etc.), anti-cytokine drug (TNF inhibitor, MAP kinase inhibitor etc.), antibody medicament, nucleic acid or nucleic acid derivative, aptamer drug and the like.

By combining the compound of the present invention and a concomitant drug, a superior effect such as

(1) the dose can be reduced as compared to single administration of the compound of the present invention or a concomitant drug,

(2) the drug to be combined with the compound of the present invention can be selected according to the condition of patients (mild case, severe case and the like),

(3) the period of treatment can be set longer by selecting a concomitant drug having different action and mechanism from the compound of the present invention,

(4) a sustained treatment effect can be designed by selecting a concomitant drug having different action and mechanism from the compound of the present invention,

(5) a synergistic effect can be afforded by a combined use of the compound of the present invention and a concomitant drug, and the like, can be achieved.

Hereinafter the compound of the present invention and a concomitant drug used in combination are referred to as the “combination agent of the present invention”.

When using the combination agent of the present invention, the administration time of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug is not restricted, and the compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutical composition thereof and the concomitant drug or a pharmaceutical composition thereof can be administered to an administration subject simultaneously, or may be administered at different times. The dosage of the concomitant drug may be determined according to the dose clinically used, and can be appropriately selected depending on an administration subject, administration route, disease, combination and the like.

The administration mode of the concomitant drug of the present invention is not particularly restricted, and it is sufficient that the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug are combined in administration. Examples of such administration mode include the following methods:

(1) administration of a single preparation obtained by simultaneously processing the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, (2) simultaneous administration of two kinds of preparations of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, which have been separately produced, by the same administration route, (3) administration of two kinds of preparations of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, which have been separately produced, by the same administration route in a staggered manner, (4) simultaneous administration of two kinds of preparations of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, which have been separately produced, by different administration routes, (5) administration of two kinds of preparations of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, which have been separately produced, by different administration routes in a staggered manner (for example, administration in the order of the compound of the present invention and the concomitant drug, or in the reverse order) and the like.

The combination agent of the present invention exhibits low toxicity. For example, the compound of the present invention or(and) the aforementioned concomitant drug can be combined with a pharmacologically acceptable carrier according to the known method to prepare a pharmaceutical composition such as tablets (including sugar-coated tablet and film-coated tablet), powders, granules, capsules (including soft capsule), liquids, injections, suppositories, sustained-release agents, etc. These compositions can be administered safely orally or non-orally (e.g., topical, rectal, intravenous administration etc.). Injection can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or by intraorgan administration or directly to the lesion.

Examples of the pharmacologically acceptable carriers usable for the production of a combination agent of the present invention, various organic or inorganic carrier substances conventionally used as preparation materials can be mentioned. For solid preparations, for example, excipient, lubricant, binder and disintegrant can be used. For liquid preparations, for example, solvent, solubilizing agent, suspending agent, isotonic agent, buffering agent, soothing agent and the like can be used. Where necessary, an appropriate amount of conventional preservative, antioxidant, colorant, sweetening agent, adsorbent, wetting agent and the like can be used as appropriate.

Examples of the excipient include lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, starch, corn starch, crystalline cellulose, light anhydrous silicic acid and the like.

Examples of the lubricant include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, colloidal silica and the like.

Examples of the binder include crystalline cellulose, white sugar, D-mannitol, dextrin, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, starch, sucrose, gelatin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and the like.

Examples of the disintegrant include starch, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, L-hydroxypropylcellulose and the like.

Examples of the solvent include water for injection, alcohol, propylene glycol, Macrogol, sesame oil, corn oil, olive oil and the like.

Examples of the solubilizing agent include polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, D-mannitol, benzyl benzoate, ethanol, trisaminomethane, cholesterol, triethanolamine, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and the like.

Examples of the suspending agent include surfactants such as stearyl triethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, laurylaminopropionic acid, lecithin, benzalkonium chloride, benzetonium chloride, glycerin monostearate and the like; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and the like; and the like.

Examples of the isotonic agent include glucose, D-sorbitol, sodium chloride, glycerin, D-mannitol and the like.

Examples of the buffering agent include buffer solutions such as phosphates, acetates, carbonates, citrates and the like.

Examples of the soothing agent include benzyl alcohol and the like.

Examples of the preservative include p-oxybenzoates, chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, sorbic acid and the like.

Examples of the antioxidant include sulfite, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and the like.

The mixing ratio of the compound of the present invention to the concomitant drug in the combination agent of the present invention can be appropriately selected depending on an administration subject, administration route, diseases and the like.

For example, the content of the compound of the present invention in the combination agent of the present invention differs depending on the form of a preparation, and usually from about 0.01 to about 100 wt %, preferably from about 0.1 to about 50 wt %, further preferably from about 0.5 to about 20 wt %, based on the preparation.

The content of the concomitant drug in the combination agent of the present invention differs depending on the form of a preparation, and usually from about 0.01 to about 100 wt %, preferably from about 0.1 to about 50 wt %, further preferably from about 0.5 to about 20 wt %, based on the preparation.

The content of additives such as a carrier and the like in the combination agent of the present invention differs depending on the form of a preparation, and usually from about 1 to about 99.99 wt %, preferably from about 10 to about 90 wt %, based on the preparation.

When the compound of the present invention and a concomitant drug are separately formulated into preparations, the contents thereof are similar to the above.

EXAMPLE

The present invention is explained in detail in the following by referring to Examples, Experimental Examples and Formulation Examples, which are not to be construed as limitative, and the invention may be changed within the scope of the present invention.

In the following Examples, the “room temperature” generally means about 10° C. to about 35° C. The ratios indicated for mixed solvents are volume mixing ratios, unless otherwise specified. % means wt %, unless otherwise specified.

In silica gel column chromatography, NH means use of aminopropylsilane-bonded silica gel. In HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), C18 means use of octadecyl-bonded silica gel.

The ratios of elution solvents are volume mixing ratios, unless otherwise specified.

In Examples, the following abbreviations are used.

mp: melting point

MS: mass spectrum

M: mol concentration

CDCl₃: deuterochloroform

DMSO-d₆: deuterodimethyl sulfoxide

¹H NMR: proton nuclear magnetic resonance

LC/MS: liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer

ESI: Electron Spray Ionization

APCI: atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

ADDP: 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine

DIPEA: N,N-diisopropylethylamine

DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide

EDCI: 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride

HOBt-H₂O: 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate

IPA: 2-propanol

IPE: diisopropyl ether

p-TsOH—H₂O: p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate

TEA: triethylamine

THF: tetrahydrofuran

¹H NMR was measured by Fourier-transform type NMR. For the analysis, ACD/SpecManager (trade name) and the like were used. Peaks of a hydroxy group, an amino group and the like, having very mild proton peaks are not described.

MS was measured by LC/MS. As ionization method, ESI method or APCI method was used. The data indicates actual measured value (found). Generally, molecular ion peaks ([M+H]⁺, [M−H]⁻ and the like) are observed. For example, in the case of a compound having a tert-butoxycarbonyl group, a peak after elimination of a tert-butoxycarbonyl group or a tert-butyl group may be observed as a fragment ion. In the case of a compound having a hydroxy group, a peak after elimination of H₂O may be observed as a fragment ion. In the case of a salt, a molecular ion peak or fragment ion peak of free form is generally observed.

The unit of sample concentration (c) for optical rotation ([α]_(D)) is g/100 mL.

Elemental analysis value (Anal.) was described as calculated value (Calcd) and actual measured value (Found).

Example 1 2-((4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one A) tert-butyl 3-(hydroxyimino)azetidine-1-carboxylate

A mixture of tert-butyl 3-oxoazetidine-1-carboxylate (500 g), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (406 g), sodium acetate (959 g), and ethanol (5 L) was heated under reflux for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (510 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.46 (9H, s), 4.60-4.65 (4H, m), 7.63 (1H, brs).

B) tert-butyl 3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of tert-butyl 3-(hydroxyimino)azetidine-1-carboxylate (100 g) in acetonitrile (1400 mL) were added hydrogen peroxide urea (303 g), disodium hydrogen phosphate (457 g) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (226 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 1 hr. The reaction was quenched with ice water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/petroleum ether). This reaction was carried out twice to give the title compound (65.5 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.48 (9H, s), 4.31-4.42 (4H, m), 5.12 (1H, tt, J=7.6, 4.8 Hz).

C) Tert-butyl 3-(3-methoxy-3-oxopropyl)-3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of tert-butyl 3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate (65 g) in methanol (650 mL) were added methyl acrylate (34.7 mL) and potassium carbonate (53.1 g) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/petroleum ether) to give the title compound (49 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.47 (9H, s), 2.34-2.38 (2H, m), 2.52-2.56 (2H, m), 3.70 (3H, s), 4.03 (2H, d, J=10.8 Hz), 4.45 (2H, d, J=10.0 Hz).

D) Tert-butyl 6-oxo-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octane-2-carboxylate

To a mixture of tert-butyl 3-(3-methoxy-3-oxopropyl)-3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate (49 g), nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate (40.3 g) and methanol (500 mL) was added sodium borohydride (32.1 g) at −10° C., and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 hr. The reaction was quenched with aqueous potassium carbonate solution (93.8 g/100 mL) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (29 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.46 (9H, s), 2.37-2.40 (4H, m), 4.00-4.02 (4H, m), 6.30 (1H, brs).

E) 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one Ditosylate

A mixture of tert-butyl 6-oxo-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octane-2-carboxylate (28 g), p-TsOH—H₂O (51.8 g) and ethyl acetate (450 mL) was stirred at 75° C. for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the precipitate was collected by filtration. The crude product was washed with diethyl ether, and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (52.5 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.18-2.21 (2H, m), 2.29-2.35 (8H, m), 3.93-4.09 (4H, m), 7.13 (4H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.49 (4H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 8.28 (1H, brs), 8.46 (1H, brs), 8.83 (1H, brs).

F) Tert-butyl 4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of tert-butyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (2.50 g), 2-chloro-4-fluorophenol (1.49 mL) and tri-n-butylphosphine (3.47 mL) in THF (50 mL) was added ADDP (3.52 g) at 0° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hr. The reaction mixture was passed through silica gel/NH silica gel pad, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane) to give the title compound (3.81 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.21-1.38 (2H, m), 1.42-1.51 (9H, m), 1.78-2.11 (3H, m), 2.64-2.85 (2H, m), 3.75-3.97 (2H, m), 4.04-4.37 (2H, m), 6.80-7.00 (2H, m), 7.05-7.16 (1H, m).

G) 4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidine Hydrochloride

To a solution of tert-butyl 4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (3.81 g) in ethyl acetate (30 mL) was added 4M hydrogen chloride ethyl acetate solution (22.2 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 hr. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (2.09 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.43-1.62 (2H, m), 1.84-1.98 (2H, m), 2.01-2.17 (1H, m), 2.83-2.97 (2H, m), 3.23-3.36 (2H, m), 3.93 (2H, d, J=6.2 Hz), 7.13-7.26 (2H, m), 7.39-7.48 (1H, m), 8.81 (2H, brs).

H) 2-((4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

To a solution of 4-((2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidine hydrochloride (80 mg) in acetonitrile (4 mL) were added DIPEA (0.298 mL) and triphosgene (29.7 mg) at −10° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 hr. To the reaction mixture was added 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one ditosylate (134 mg), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/IPA to give the title compound (29 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 1.10-1.29 (2H, m), 1.70-1.81 (2H, m), 1.88-2.05 (1H, m), 2.11-2.33 (4H, m), 2.67-2.85 (2H, m), 3.73-3.84 (2H, m), 3.86-3.96 (6H, m), 7.13-7.20 (2H, m), 7.38-7.46 (1H, m), 8.19 (1H, s).

Example 279 2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one A) Tert-butyl 3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate

To a mixture of urea (10.6 g), benzene-1,3,5-triol (11.1 g), sodium nitrite (12.2 g) and DMF (500 mL) was added tert-butyl 3-iodoazetidine-1-carboxylate (25 g) under argon atmosphere at room temperature. The mixture was stirred overnight under argon atmosphere at 55° C. To the reaction mixture were added water and ethyl acetate at 0° C. The organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane) to give the title compound (7.47 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.46 (9H, s), 4.28-4.45 (4H, m), 5.13 (1H, tt, J=7.6, 4.8 Hz).

B) Tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of tert-butyl 3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate (90 g) in acetonitrile (1.25 L) was added formaldehyde (37% aqueous solution, 73 mL), and then TEA (60 mL) was added dropwise thereto at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/petroleum ether) to give the title compound (85 g).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.45 (9H, s), 2.68 (1H, brs), 4.11 (2H, d, J=10.4 Hz), 4.19-4.21 (2H, m), 4.39-4.46 (2H, m).

C) Tert-butyl 6-oxo-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octane-2-carboxylate

A mixture of tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-nitroazetidine-1-carboxylate (85 g), Raney nickel (9 g) and methanol (1.5 L) was subjected to hydrogenation (60 psi) at room temperature for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the corresponding amine derivative (68 g). To a solution of the amine derivative (68 g) and TEA (100 mL) in THF (1.5 L) was added triphosgene (40 g) at 0° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 0.5 hr, and then at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was poured into saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/petroleum ether) to give the title compound (58 g).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.43 (9H, s), 4.03 (2H, d, J=10.1 Hz), 4.13 (2H, d, J=9.5 Hz), 4.53 (2H, s), 6.52 (1H, brs).

D) 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one Tosylate

To a solution of tert-butyl 6-oxo-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octane-2-carboxylate (58 g) in ethyl acetate (1.2 L) was added p-TsOH—H₂O (58 g) at room temperature, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, p-TsOH—H₂O (14.5 g) was added thereto, and the mixture was again heated under reflux for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the solid was collected by filtration, washed with diethyl ether, and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (62 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.29 (3H, s), 4.05-4.15 (4H, m), 4.54 (2H, s), 7.13 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.50 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 8.51-8.54 (3H, m).

E) (E)-3-(3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)acrylic Acid

A solution of 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzaldehyde (50.0 g), malonic acid (32.5 g) and piperidine (11.9 mL) in pyridine (240 mL) was stirred at 110° C. for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. To the residue was added water (480 mL). To the reaction mixture was added 2M hydrochloric acid (200 mL) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred for a while at room temperature. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried to give the title compound (55.0 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.66 (1H, d, J=16.1 Hz), 7.55-7.70 (3H, m), 7.95 (1H, dd, J=11.7, 1.7 Hz), 12.58 (1H, brs).

F) 2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one (E)-3-(3-Fluoro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)acrylic Acid

(30.0 g) was suspended in chlorobenzene (30 mL), and pyridine (0.967 mL) was added thereto at room temperature. The mixture was heated at 150° C. Thionyl chloride (61.3 mL) was added dropwise over 9.5 hr to the mixture while the mixture was maintained at 150° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 150° C. for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, and 3M hydrochloric acid (120 mL) and THF (120 mL) were added thereto. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate/THF/water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate/THF. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane to give a mixture (11.3 g) of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy) benzo [b] thiophene-2-carboxylic acid and 3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (3:1). The mother liquour was concentrated, and the residue was purified by filtration through silica gel pad and recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane to give a mixture (7.96 g) of the same compounds (5:4) as a second crystal.

A solution of the mixture (16.8 g) of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid and 3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy) benzo [b] thiophene-2-carboxylic acid, 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one tosylate (16.0 g), EDCI (15.3 g), HOBt-H₂O (12.2 g) and DIPEA (46.5 mL) in DMF (200 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 13 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate/water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and passed through NH silica gel pad, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane to give a mixture (12.4 g) of 2-((3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one and 2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one. The mixture was purified by HPLC (column: CHIRALPAK AD (trade name), 50 mmID×500 mmL, Manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, mobile phase: hexane/ethanol=50/50), and the compound having a shorter retention time was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (4.06 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.13-4.50 (4H, m), 4.54 (2H, s), 7.78-7.90 (2H, m), 8.49 (1H, s).

Example 361 2-((3-chloro-6-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

To a solution of 3-chloro-6-fluoro-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (84 mg), 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one tosylate (100 mg), HOBt (58.5 mg) and TEA (0.070 mL) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added EDCI (83 mg) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, and the solution was washed with 1M hydrochloric acid, 10% aqueous potassium carbonate solution and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solution was passed through NH silica gel, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was collected, and washed with ethyl acetate/IPE to give the title compound (81 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ4.07-4.50 (4H, m), 4.54 (2H, s), 7.44-7.53 (1H, m), 7.93 (1H, dd, J=9.0, 5.0 Hz), 8.08 (1H, dd, J=9.1, 2.3 Hz), 8.48 (1H, s).

Example 362 2-((3-chloro-4,6-difluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

To a solution of 3-chloro-4,6-difluoro-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (91 mg), 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one tosylate (100 mg), HOBt (58.5 mg) and TEA (0.070 mL) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added EDCI (83 mg) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, and the solution was washed with 1M hydrochloric acid, 10% aqueous potassium carbonate solution and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solution was passed through NH silica gel, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was collected, and washed with ethyl acetate/IPE to give the title compound (77 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.08-4.49 (4H, m), 4.53 (2H, s), 7.44-7.54 (1H, m), 7.94-8.00 (1H, m), 8.49 (1H, s).

The compounds of Examples 2 to 10, 12 to 278, 280 to 360 and 363 to 366 in the following tables were synthesized according to the methods shown in the above-mentioned Examples or a method analogous thereto. The compounds of Examples are shown in the following Tables 1-1 to 1-37. MS in the tables means actual measured value.

TABLE 1-1 EXAMPLE IUPACNAME Structure MS 1 2-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

396.2 2 2-((4-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1- benzofuran-2-yl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one (optical isomer)

370.2 3 2-((4-((2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

446.1 4 2-((3-(1-(2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)ethyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

382.1 5 2-(4-((2- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) benzoyl)-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6- one

405.1 6 2-(4-(benzyloxy)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

337.1 7 2-((4-(1-(2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

410.1 8 2-((3-((2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

402.1 9 2-((3-((2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)azetidin- 1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

402.1 10 2-((3-(1-(2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)ethyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

416.1

TABLE 1-2 12 2-(biphenyl-4-ylcarbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

307.2 13 2-((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3- benzoxazol-6-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

366.1 14 2-((1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2- yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1 15 2-(biphenyl-3-ylcarbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

307.2 16 2-((3-((4-bromo-2- fluorophenoxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

412.0 17 2-((3-((2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

418.1 18 2-((3-((5,6,7,8- tetrahydronaphthalen-2- yloxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

370.1 19 2-((3-((2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5- yloxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

356.2 20 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

389.1

TABLE 1-3 21 2-((3-((2-chloro-4- methylphenoxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

364.2 22 2-((3-((3-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

402.1 23 2-((3-(((3,4′-difluoro-2′- methylbiphenyl-4- yl)oxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

442.2 24 2-((3-((5-bromo-2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

480.1 25 2-((cis-3-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan- 6-one

367.1 26 2-((trans-3-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan- 6-one

367.1 27 2-(3- (difluoro(phenyl)methyl)benzoyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

357.1 28 2-(4- (difluoro(phenyl)methyl)benzoyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

357.1 29 2-((4-(difluoro(4- fluorophenyl)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

382.2 30 2-((6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

355.1

TABLE 1-4 31 2-((3-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

325.2 32 2-((3-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

325.2 33 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

355.0 34 2-((3-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

368.1 35 2-((6-bromo-3-chloro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

398.9 36 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1 37 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-fluorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1 38 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1 39 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.0 40 2-((4′-(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

375.3

TABLE 1-5 41 2-((5-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazol- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

328.2 42 2-((2-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)- 1,3-oxazol-4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

366.1 43 2-((3-methoxybiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3,4]octan-6-one

337.2 44 2-((3′-chloro-4′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.1 45 2-((3′-fluoro-4′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

391.1 46 2-((2′-fluoro-4′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

393.2 47 2-((2′-chloro-4′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.2 48 2-((3′,5′- bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

443.2 49 2-((2′-fluoro-3′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

393.2 50 2-((4′-fluoro-3′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

393.2

TABLE 1-6 51 2-((2′-chloro-3′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.0 52 2-((4′-chloro-3′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.1 53 2-((5′-cyclopropyl-2′- fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

365.2 54 2-((4′-tert-butylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

363.3 55 2-((3′-tert-butylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

363.3 56 2-(4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-2- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

360.2 57 2-(4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

347.3 58 2-((4′-(trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

391.3 59 2-((2′-fluoro-4′- (trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.1 60 2-((3′-(trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

391.1

TABLE 1-7 61 2-((2′-fluoro-5′- (trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

409.1 62 2-((2′-(trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

391.2 63 2-((4′-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl) biphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.2 64 2-((3′-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl) biphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.2 65 2-(4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3- benzothiazol-5-yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

432.1 66 2-(4-(1-benzofuran-3-yl)benzoyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

347.2 67 2-(4-(1-benzothiophen-3- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

363.2 68 2-((3′,4′,5′-trifluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

361.2 69 2-((2′,3′,4′-trifluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

361.2 70 2-((2′,4′,5′-trifluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

361.2

TABLE 1-8 71 2-((3′,5′-difluoro-4′- methoxybiphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

373.2 72 2-(4-(1,2-benzothiazol-5- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

364.2 73 2-(4-(1,2-benzothiazol-6- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

364.2 74 2-(4-(2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-6- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.2 75 2-(4-(2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-4- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.2 76 2-((2′,6′-difluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

343.2 77 2-((2′,4′,6′-trifluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

361.2 78 2-((2′,6′-difluoro-3′- methoxybiphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

373.2 79 2-((2′-chloro-5′-fluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

359.1 80 2-((2′,5′-dichlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

375.2

TABLE 1-9 81 2-((2′-chloro-5′-methylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

355.2 82 2-((2′-chloro-5′-methoxybiphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

371.2 83 2-((2′-chloro-4′-methylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

355.1 84 2-((2′,4′-dichlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

375.1 85 2-((2′-chloro-4′-methoxybiphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

371.1 86 2-((3′-chlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

341.2 87 2-((4′-chlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

341.2 88 2-((2′,4′-dimethylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

335.3 89 2-((2′,3′-dimethylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

335.2 90 2-((2′,5′-dimethylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

335.2

TABLE 1-10 91 2-((3′,6′-difluoro-2′-methylbiphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

357.2 92 2-((2′-methyl-4′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

389.2 93 2-((2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.3 94 2-(4-(2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.3 95 2-(4-(2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-5- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.2 96 2-((4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

346.3 97 2-((4-fluoro-4-(4- fluorobenzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

364.2 98 2-((4-(2,4-difluorobenzyl)piperidin- 1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

364.2 99 2-((4-(4-chlorobenzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

362.2 100 2-((4-(3-chlorobenzy)lpiperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

362.2

TABLE 1-11 101 2-((4-(2-chlorobenzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

362.2 102 2-((4-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)piperidin- 1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

396.2 103 2-((4-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)piperidin- 1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

396.2 104 2-((4-(4-chloro-2- methylbenzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

376.2 105 2-((4-(4-chloro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

430.2 106 2-((4-(4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

396.3 107 2-((4-(2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

430.2 108 2-((4-(3,5- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)piperidin- 1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

464.2 109 methyl 4′-((1-((6-oxo-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]oct-2- yl)carbonyl)piperidin-4- yl)methyl)biphenyl-4-carboxylate

462.2 110 methyl 4′-((1-((6-oxo-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]oct-2- yl)carbonyl)piperidin-4- yl)methyl)biphenyl-3-carboxylate

462.3

TABLE 1-12 111 2-((4-(4-(piperidin-1- yl)benzyl)piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

411.3 112 2-((4-(diphenylmethyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.3 113 2-((4-(bis(4- fluorophenyl)methyl)piperazin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

441.2 114 2-(4-bromo-2-chlorobenzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

343.0 115 2-((3-methylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

321.2 116 2-((4-methylbiphenyl-3- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

321.2 117 2-((3-chlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

341.2 118 2-((2-methylbiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

321.2 119 2-((2-chlorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

341.2 120 2-(4-(1-benzothiophen-2- yl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

363.2

TABLE 1-13 121 2-((5-bromo-3-thienyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

315.1 122 2-((5-phenyl-3-thienyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

313.2 123 2-(2-methyl-4-(2- phenylethyl)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

349.3 124 2-((4-phenyl-2-thienyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

313.2 125 2-((3,5-difluorobiphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

343.2 126 2-((5-phenyl-2-thienyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

313.2 127 2-(4-bromo-2-methylbenzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

323.1 128 2-(5-bromo-2-methylbenzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

323.1 129 2-((3-methyl-5-phenyl-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

327.2 130 2-(4-bromo-2- (trifluoromethoxy)benzoyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

393.0

TABLE 1-14 131 2-((2,3′-bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

441.1 132 2-((2-(trifluoromethoxy)-3′- (trifluoromethyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

457.2 133 2-(1-benzothiophen-2-ylcarbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

287.1 134 2-((3-chloro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

321.1 135 2-((6-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

305.1 136 2-((5-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

305.2 137 2-((4-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

305.2 138 2-((7-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

305.1 139 2-((3-chloro-6-methoxy-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

351.1 140 2-((3-chloro-6-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

339.1

TABLE 1-15 141 2-((3-methyl-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

301.2 142 2-((4-fluoro-3-methyl-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

319.2 143 2-((5-chloro-3-phenyl-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

397.2 144 2-((6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

397.2 145 2-((6-((2,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

461.1 146 2-((7-bromo-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

365.1 147 2-((6-chloro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

321.1 148 2-((5-methoxy-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

317.2 149 2-((5-((2,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

461.1 150 2-((5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

397.2

TABLE 1-16 151 2-((3-methyl-5-nitro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

346.2 152 2-((3-bromo-5-methoxy-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

395.1 153 2-((5-nitro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

332.2 154 2-((6-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl- 1-benzofuran-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

395.2 155 2-((3-methyl-1-benzofuran-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

285.2 156 2-((3-methyl-1H-inden-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

283.2 157 2-((2-methyl-1-benzofuran-3- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

285.2 158 2-((3-methyl-1-benzothiophen-5- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

301.2 159 2-((1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H- benzimidazol-6-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

377.2 160 2-((5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl- 1-benzofuran-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

395.2

TABLE 1-17 161 2-((3,7-dimethyl-1-benzofuran-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

299.3 162 2-((5-chloro-3-methyl-1- benzofuran-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

319.2 163 2-((5-((2,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxy)-3- methyl-1-benzofuran-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

459.2 164 2-(1H-inden-2-ylcarbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

269.2 165 2-((6-((2,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxy)-1- benzofuran-3-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

445.1 166 2-(1-benzothiophen-3-ylcarbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

287.1 167 2-((5-((4-chlorobenzyl)oxy)-2- methyl-1-benzofuran-3- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

425.2 168 2-(1-benzofuran-2-ylcarbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

271.2 169 2-((6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1- benzofuran-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

381.1 170 2-((3′-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.2

TABLE 1-18 171 2-((3′- (cyclopropylmethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

377.2 172 2-((3-(trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

391.1 173 2-((trans-4-(4- hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

329.2 174 2-((cis-4-(4- hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexyl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

329.2 175 2-((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-5-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

381.1 176 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.0 177 2-((3-chloro-5-(3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.0 178 2-((3-chloro-5-(3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

445.1 179 2-((3-chloro-6-(4,4- difluorocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

437.1 180 2-((3-chloro-5-(2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1

TABLE 1-19 181 2-((3-chloro-5-(4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.1 182 2-((3-chloro-5-(3- (cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.1 183 2-((3-chloro-5-phenyl-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

397.2 184 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-methylphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

411.2 185 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-methylphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

411.2 186 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-methylphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

411.1 187 2-((3-chloro-6-(4- isopropylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

439.2 188 2-((3-chloro-6-(3- isopropylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

439.2 189 2-((3-chloro-6-(2- isopropylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

439.2 190 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-chlorophenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.0

TABLE 1-20 191 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-chlorophenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.0 192 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-chlorophenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.0 193 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

427.1 194 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

427.1 195 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-methoxyphenyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

427.1 196 2-((3-chloro-6-(3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

465.1 197 2-((3-chloro-6-(4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

465.1 198 2-((3-chloro-5-(2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

465.1 199 2-((3-chloro-6-(2- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

481.1 200 2-((3-chloro-6-(4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

480.9

TABLE 1-21 201 2-((3-chloro-6-(3- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

481.1 202 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-5- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1 203 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-6- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1 204 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-fluoro-2- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.2 205 2-((3-chloro-6-(5-fluoro-2- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1 206 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-fluoro-4- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1 207 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-4- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.2 208 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-3- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.0 209 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-fluoro-2- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1 210 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-fluoro-3- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.1

TABLE 1-22 211 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-fluoro-5- methylphenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

429.2 212 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,5- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.1 213 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,6- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.1 214 2-((3-chloro-6-(3,5- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.1 215 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,3- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.1 216 2-((3-chloro-6-(3,4- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

433.1 217 2-((3-chloro-6-(4- cyclopropylphenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

437.1 218 2-((3-chloro-6-(3- cyclopropylphenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

437.1 219 2-((3-chloro-6-(4- (difluoromethyl)phenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

447.1 220 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-chloro-3- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1

TABLE 1-23 221 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 222 2-((3-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 223 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-chloro-5- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 224 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-chloro-4- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 225 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 226 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-chloro-4- fluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

449.1 227 2-((3-chloro-6-(6-methylpyridin-3- yl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

412.1 228 2-((3-chloro-6-(6- (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

466.1 229 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-methylpyridin-3- yl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

412.2 230 2-((3-chloro-6-(2- (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

466.0

TABLE 1-24 231 2-((3-chloro-6-(2- (trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-5-yl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

467.2 232 2-((3-chloro-6-(5-methyl-2- thienyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.0 233 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,5-dimethyl-3- thienyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.1 234 2-((3-chloro-6-(2-methyl-3- thienyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.0 235 2-((3-chloro-6-(3-methyl-2- thienyl)-1-benozthiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.0 236 2-((3-chloro-6-(4-methyl-3- thienyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.0 237 2-((4- (fluoro(diphenyl)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.2 238 2-((3-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

373.1 239 2-((4-((5,6,7,8- tetrahydronaphthalen-2- yloxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

398.3 240 2-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

396.1

TABLE 1-25 241 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

388.9 242 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-8- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-6-one

403.0 243 2-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-8-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-6-one

412.2 244 2-((4-((2,4- dichlorophenyl)(difluoro)methyl) piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

432.1 245 2-((6-bromo-3-cyclopropyl-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.0 246 2-((3-chloro-5-(3-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl)phenyl)- 2-thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

455.2 247 2-((3-chloro-5-(4-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl)phenyl)- 2-thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

455.1 248 2-((3-chloro-5-(3- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.0 249 2-((3-chloro-5-(4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

431.0 250 2-((5-bromo-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

365.0

TABLE 1-26 251 2-((3-chloro-4-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

421.0 252 2-((5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

368.9 253 2-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.0 254 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.1 255 2-((3-chloro-7-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

389.0 256 2-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

386.9 257 2-((3-chloro-7-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

389.1 258 2-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

389.0 259 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

386.9 260 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)- 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

387.0

TABLE 1-27 261 2-((6-(trifluoromethoxy)-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9 262 2-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.9 263 2-((6-(trifluoromethoxy)-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

437.0 264 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

420.9 265 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

419.0 266 2-((3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.9 267 2-((3-chloro-4-fluoro-7- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.9 268 2-((3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

388.9 269 2-((3-chloro-4-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.9 270 2-((3-methoxy-7-(trifluoromethyl)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

384.9

TABLE 1-28 271 2-((3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-7- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

453.0 272 2-((3-(difluoromethoxy)-7- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

420.9 273 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-9- oxa-2,6-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-7-one

435.0 274 2-((2-fluoro-3′-(1- methylcyclopropyl)biphenyl-4- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

381.2 275 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.9 276 2-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-9-oxa-2,6- diazaspiro[4.5]decan-7-one

426.2 277 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-7- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.9 278 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

370.9 279 2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.8 280 2-((3-chloro-5-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.9

TABLE 1-29 281 2-((3-chloro-5-(3-(1- methylcyclopropyl)phenyl)-2- thienyl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

403.1 282 2-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-6-one

421.0 283 2-((3-chloro-4-(trilfuoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-6-one

421.0 284 2-((3-chloro-4-fluoro-6-methoxy- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

371.0 285 2-((6-bromo-3-chloro-4-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

416.7 286 2-((3-chloro-7-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

418.9 287 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

421.0 288 2-((3-chloro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

323.1 289 2-((3,4-dichloro-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

354.9 290 2-((3,7-dichloro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9

TABLE 1-30 291 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethyl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.8 292 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethoxy)- 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

454.9 293 2-((3,4-dichloro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.8 294 2-((3,7-dichloro-4-fluoro-6- methoxy-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

405.0 295 2-((3-chloro-5-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

418.8 296 2-((3-chloro-4-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

421.0 297 2-((3,7-dichloro-4- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9 298 2-((3,5-dichloro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9 299 2-((3,5-dichloro-4- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9 300 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-5- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

420.9

TABLE 1-31 301 2-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

423.0 302 2-((3-chloro-7-(difluoromethyl)-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

457.0 303 2-((3,7-dichloro-6- (difluoromethoxy)-4-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

438.9 304 2-((3-chloro-6-(difluoromethoxy)- 4-fluoro-7-methyl-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

418.9 305 2-((3-chloro-4-(difluoromethoxy)- 6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

454.9 306 2-((3-chloro-5-(difluoromethyl)-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

454.9 307 2-((6-bromo-3-chloro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

400.8 308 2-((3,4,6-trichloro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

388.8 309 2-((3-chloro-6-(4,4- difluorocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-4- fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

455.0 310 2-((3,6-bis(4,4-difluorocyclohex-1- en-1-yl)-4-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

539.2

TABLE 1-32 311 2-((3-chloro-6-cyclopropyl-4- fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

381.1 312 2-((3,6-dichloropropyl-4-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

387.1 313 2-((3-chloro-4-(difluoromethoxy)- 7-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

404.9 314 2-((3-chloro-6-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)caarbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

422.9 315 2-((3-chloro-4,7-difluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

441.0 316 2-((3-chloro-4-(difluoromethyl)-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

454.9 317 2-((3-chloro-7-(difluoromethyl)-4- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

454.9 318 7-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one

410.2 319 7-((3-((2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)methyl) azetidin-1-yl)carbonyl)-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one

416.1 320 7-((3-((5,6,7,8- tetrahydronaphthalen-2- yloxy)methyl)azetidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one

384.2

TABLE 1-33 321 7-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one

419.0 322 7-((4-((2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)methyl)piperidin-1- yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one

412.1 323 7-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

421.0 324 7-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)- 1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

421.0 325 7-((3,4,6-trichloro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

402.8 326 7-((3-chloro-6,7-difluoro-4- methyl-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

387.1 327 7-((3,4,6-trichloro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

405.0 328 7-((3-chloro-6,7-difluoro-4- methyl-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

387.1 329 7-((3-chloro-7-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

435.0 330 7-((3-chloro-7-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

435.0

TABLE 1-34 331 7-((3-chloro-4-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

435.0 332 7-((3,4-dichloro-6-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

389.0 333 7-((3-(difluoromethyl)-7-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

437.0 334 7-((3-chloro-4-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

420.9 335 2-((2-fluoro-3′-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl)biphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

432.9 336 7-((3-chloro-4,7-difluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

454.8 337 7-((3-chloro-7-methyl-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

419.0 338 7-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

436.9 339 7-((3-chloro-5-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

436.8 340 7-((3,4-dichloro-6,7-difluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

404.8

TABLE 1-35 341 7-((3-chloro-4-methyl-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

416.8 342 7-((3-chloro-7-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

420.8 343 7-((3-chloro-5-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-3-oxa-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

420.8 344 2-((3′-(1- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl)biphenyl- 4-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

417.2 345 2-((3-chloro-6-(2,6- difluorophenyl)-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

432.8 346 2-((3,6-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

477.2 347 2-((7-fluoro-3-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

402.8 348 2-((trans-3-((2,4- dichlorobenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4] octan-6-one

382.9 349 2-((cis-3-((2,4- dichlorobenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4] octan-6-one

385.2 350 2-((trans-3-((2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

416.9

TABLE 1-36 351 2-((6-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-3- methyl-1-benzothiophen-2- yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

415.2 352 2-((cis-3-((2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

419.2 353 2-((cis-3-((3,4- dichlorobenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl)carbonyl)- 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

385.2 354 2-((trans-3-((2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

400.9 355 2-((cis-3-((2-fluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

403.2 356 2-((cis-3-((3-chloro-4- methylbenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl)carbonyl)- 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan- 6-one

363.0 357 2-((cis-3-((4-chloro-3- methylbenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl)carbonyl)- 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan- 6-one

365.2 358 2-((trans-3-((4-chloro-3- methylbenzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl)carbonyl)- 7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan- 6-one

363.0 359 2-((cis-3-((3-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)cyclobutyl) carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

416.9 360 2-((3-(difluoromethyl)-7-fluoro-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

439.1

TABLE 1-37 361 2-((3-chloro-6-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

338.9 362 2-((3-chloro-4,6-difluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

356.9 363 2-((3-chloro-4- (cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-fluoro-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7- oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

411.1 364 2-((3,6-dichloro-1-benzothiophen- 2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

354.9 365 7-((3-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-3- oxa-1,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-2-one (optical isomer)

402.9 366 2-((3-methyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1- benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-2,5- diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one

369.1

Reference Example 1 (4R)-1-(1-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one A) (3R)-tert-butyl 5-(4-hydroxy-3-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)butanamido)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate

To a solution of (4R)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1.00 g) and tert-butyl 5-amino-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (1.32 g) in toluene (30 mL) was added bis(trimethylaluminium)-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane adduct (0.729 g) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was was stirred at 70° C. for 1 hr. To the reaction mixture were added ethyl acetate, THF and sodium sulfate decahydrate (5.50 g) at room temperature, and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr. The insoluble substance was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound (1.71 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ1.62 (9H, s), 2.29-2.40 (1H, m), 2.52-2.59 (1H, m), 2.62-2.84 (4H, m), 3.10-3.21 (1H, m), 3.39-3.70 (4H, m), 4.11-4.32 (2H, m), 4.52 (1H, t, J=5.3 Hz), 6.67 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.35-7.43 (1H, m), 7.62 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.91-8.03 (4H, m), 10.00 (1H, s).

B) (4R)-1-(1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one

To a solution of (3R)-tert-butyl 5-(4-hydroxy-3-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)butanamido)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (1.71 g) and tri-n-butyl phosphine (2.02 g) in THF (30 mL) was added di-tert-butylazodicarboxylate (2.30 g) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (NH, methanol/ethyl acetate). To a solution of the obtained residue in acetonitrile (30 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5.13 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 3 hr. To the reaction mixture were added ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution at room temperature, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate/THF. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound (0.540 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.53-2.75 (6H, m), 3.21-3.30 (1H, m), 3.64-3.85 (3H, m), 3.91-4.03 (1H, m), 4.23-4.38 (2H, m), 6.37-6.43 (1H, m), 7.31-7.43 (3H, m), 7.63-7.69 (1H, m), 7.98-8.05 (2H, m), 11.07 (1H, brs).

C) (4R)-1-(1-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one

A solution of (4R)-1-(1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (100 mg), 2,4-difluoropyridine (87.0 mg) and cesium carbonate (247 mg) in DMSO (2 mL) was stirred under microwave irradiation at 120° C. for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was purified by silica gel column chromatography (NH, ethyl acetate/hexane), and recrystallized from THF/ethyl acetate/diisopropyl ether to give the title compound (75.0 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.54-2.65 (5H, m), 2.67-2.78 (1H, m), 3.25-3.29 (1H, m), 3.65-3.75 (2H, m), 3.79-3.90 (1H, m), 3.97-4.07 (1H, m), 4.26-4.39 (2H, m), 6.81-6.85 (1H, m), 7.51-7.54 (1H, m), 7.62-7.67 (1H, m), 7.70-7.75 (1H, m), 7.84-7.89 (2H, m), 7.91-7.94 (1H, m), 7.99-8.05 (2H, m), 8.33-8.39 (1H, m).

Reference Example 2 3-fluoro-3′-(2-oxo-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)biphenyl-2-carbonitrile (Optical Isomer) A) 1-(3-iodophenyl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (Optical Isomer)

Racemate (2.30 g) of 1-(3-iodophenyl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one was resolved by SFC (column: CHIRALCEL ASH (trade name), 20 mmID×250 mmL, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, mobile phase: carbon dioxide/methanol/acetonitrile=600/200/200), and the fraction having a shorter retention time was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.00 g).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.52-2.63 (5H, m), 2.65-2.77 (1H, m), 3.16-3.28 (1H, m), 3.55-3.80 (3H, m), 3.89-3.99 (1H, m), 4.20-4.40 (2H, m), 7.12-7.21 (1H, m), 7.45-7.53 (1H, m), 7.62-7.69 (1H, m), 7.98-8.06 (2H, m), 8.08-8.13 (1H, m).

B) 3-fluoro-3′-(2-oxo-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)biphenyl-2-carbonitrile

A solution of 1-(3-iodophenyl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (80.0 mg, optical isomer) obtained in the previous step, 2-fluoro-6-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzonitrile (123 mg), dichlorobis[di-t-butyl(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphino]palladium(II) (11.7 mg) and cesium carbonate (108 mg) in toluene (2 mL) and water (0.667 mL) was stirred under microwave irradiation at 120° C. for 30 min. The organic layer was purified by silica gel column chromatography (NH, ethyl acetate/hexane) to give the title compound (9.0 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.52-2.67 (5H, m), 2.68-2.81 (1H, m), 3.22-3.29 (1H, m), 3.60-3.78 (2H, m), 3.80-3.91 (1H, m), 3.98-4.08 (1H, m), 4.17-4.42 (2H, m), 7.36-7.42 (1H, m), 7.48-7.62 (3H, m), 7.82-7.93 (3H, m), 7.98-8.05 (2H, m).

Reference Example 3 (4R)-1-(1-(6-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one

A solution of (4R)-1-(1H-indol-5-yl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (100 mg), 2,6-difluoropyridine (145 mg) and cesium carbonate (165 mg) in DMA (1 mL) was stirred under microwave irradiation at 150° C. for 1 hr. To the reaction mixture was added water, and the filtrate was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound (25.0 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.54-2.81 (6H, m), 3.24-3.29 (1H, m), 3.61-3.76 (2H, m), 3.79-3.89 (1H, m), 3.97-4.07 (1H, m), 4.24-4.41 (2H, m), 6.77-6.82 (1H, m), 7.00-7.08 (1H, m), 7.58-7.65 (1H, m), 7.70-7.76 (1H, m), 7.86-7.91 (1H, m), 7.99-8.05 (2H, m), 8.08-8.20 (2H, m), 8.35-8.43 (1H, m).

Reference Example 4 1-(3-(2-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (Optical Isomer)

A solution of 1-(3-iodophenyl)-4-(4-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (50.0 mg, optical isomer) obtained in Step A) of Reference Example 2, (2-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)boronic acid (64.2 mg), dichlorobis[di-t-butyl(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphino]palladium(II) (7.34 mg) and cesium carbonate (67.4 mg) in toluene (2 mL) and water (0.667 mL) was stirred under microwave irradiation at 100° C. for 2 hr. The organic layer was purified by silica gel column chromatography (NH, ethyl acetate/hexane), and the obtained residue was purified by HPLC (column: L-column 2 ODS (trade name), 20 mmID×150 mmL, mobile phase: water/acetonitrile (10 mM containing NH₄HCO₃)) to give the title compound (22.0 mg).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ2.36-2.59 (9H, m), 3.19-3.28 (1H, m), 3.63-3.75 (2H, m), 3.75-3.89 (1H, m), 3.95-4.06 (1H, m), 4.21-4.36 (2H, m), 7.04-7.12 (1H, m), 7.13-7.20 (1H, m), 7.42-7.51 (1H, m), 7.62-7.68 (1H, m), 7.73-7.86 (2H, m), 7.98-8.06 (2H, m).

Experimental Example 1: Cloning of Human MGLL Encoding MAGL Protein and Construction of Expression Plasmid

Human MGLL cDNA was obtained by PCR using human ORF Clone (DNAForm; Clone ID: 100004585) as a template. For PCR, two kinds of primers:

[SEQ ID NO: 1] 5′-CCACCATCATCACGGATCCATGCCAGAGGAAAGTTCCCCCA-3′ and [SEQ ID NO: 2] 5′-TGGTGCTCGAGTGCGGCCGCTCAGGGTGGGGACGCAGTTC-3′ and PrimeSTAR MAX DNA Polymerase (Takara Bio Inc.) were used, and (1) reaction at 98° C. for 1 min, (2) 25 cycles of reaction at 98° C. for 10 sec and 68° C. for 10 sec as one cycle, and (3) reaction at 72° C. for 1 min were performed. The obtained PCR product was digested with Bam HI and Not I (Takara Bio Inc.), inserted into the Bam HI/Not I site of pET21HH(V) (pET21a (Novagen) inserted with His×6 and TEV Protease recognition sequence) by using Ligation High (Toyobo Co., Ltd.), and introduced into ECOS™ JM109 (Nippon Gene Co., Ltd.), whereby expression plasmid pET21HH(V)/His-hMGLLv2 for Escherichia coli was constructed.

Experimental Example 2: Preparation of Recombinant Polyhistidine Tagged Human MAGL Protein

Recombinant His-hMAGL protein was prepared by transforming ECOS™ Competent E. coli BL21(DE3) (Nippon Gene Co., Ltd.) with the pET21HH(V)/His-hMGLLv2 plasmid prepared above. Escherichia coli obtained by transformation was inoculated to 10 mL of LB medium (1% peptone, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.5% sodium chloride, 0.01% ampicillin), and cultured at 30° C. for 16 hr. The obtained culture medium (5 mL) was transplanted into a 2 L Sakaguchi flask containing 1 L of main fermentation medium (1.05% M9 MEDIUM BROTH (AMRESCO LLC), 0.5% yeast extract, 1.5% sorbitol, 1.5% casamino acid, 0.024% magnesium sulfate, 0.01% antifoaming agent PE-L (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.01% ampicillin), and shaking culture at 37° C. and 150 rpm was started. When the turbidity of the culture medium reached about 500 Klett unit, the culture temperature was lowered to 16° C., isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) was added to a final concentration of 1 mM, and the mixture was further cultured for 19 hr. After the completion of culture, the culture medium was centrifuged (4° C., 6,000 rpm, 10 min) to give His-hMAGL-expressed Escherichia coli. Then, His-hMAGL-expressed Escherichia coli was suspended in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0, 100 ml) containing 1% Triton X-100, 20 mM imidazole, 3 mM DTT, 5 U/mL Benzonase (Merck) and 150 mM NaCl, and the suspension was sufficiently cooled, and subjected to sonication at AMPLITUDE=60%, 15 sec/ON, 30 sec/OFF for 3 min using ¾″ solid type crushed horn of BRANSON Digital Sonifier 450 (Central Scientific Commerce, Inc.). Furthermore, the homogenate was centrifuged (4° C., 6,000 rpm, 20 min) and the supernatant was obtained. As the purification apparatus, AKTA explorer 10s (GE Healthcare Japan Corporation) was used at 4° C. To the obtained supernatant was added 5M NaCl to the final salt concentration of 0.3 M, and the mixture was flown through and adsorbed to 5 mL of Ni-NTA Superflow Cartridges (QIAGEN) equilibrated in advance with buffer A (50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0) containing 0.05% TritonX-100, 1 mM DTT, 300 mM NaCl). The column was sufficiently washed with buffer A containing 20 mM imidazole and His-hMAGL was eluted with buffer A containing imidazole at a final concentration of 250 mM. The eluate was further subjected to gel filtration using HiLoad 16/600 Superdex 200 pg (GE Healthcare Japan Corporation) equilibrated with 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0 containing 10% glycerol, 0.05% TritonX-100, 1 mM DTT and 150 mM NaCl. The eluted fraction was concentrated by Amicon Ultra-15 10K (Merck Millipore) to give purified His-hMAGL protein. The protein concentration was measured by BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) using BSA as the standard.

Experimental Example 3: Measurement of MAGL Inhibitory Activity

The His-hMAGL obtained above was diluted with enzyme reaction buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, 0.025 (w/v) % Triton X-100, 0.01% Bovine serum albumin) to a concentration of 7.5 ng/mL. To each well of a 384 well assay plate (Greiner 781280) was added a solution (5 μL) of a test compound dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which was diluted with the above-mentioned enzyme reaction buffer, then His-hMAGL solution (5 μL) diluted to a concentration of 7.5 ng/mL was added and the mixture was incubated at room temperature for 60 min. Thereafter, to each well was added 5 μL of 150 μM 2-arachidonylglycerol (Tocris Bioscience), and the mixture was incubated at room temperature for 10 min. Then, 10 μL of 2% formic acid (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to stop the reaction. Furthermore, acetonitrile (50 μL) containing 3 μM arachidonic acid-d8 (Cayman Chemical Company) was added and the mixture was stirred.

The amount of arachidonic acid in the obtained enzyme reaction mixture was calculated by measuring by RapidFire-mass spectrometry and correcting by the amount of arachidonic acid-d8. High Throughput online solid phase extraction was performed using RapidFire 300™ system (Agilent Technologies, Inc.). Samples were loaded on SPE C4 cartridge (Agilent Technologies, Inc.) and desalted with 0.2 (v/v) % acetic acid (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) in ultrapure water/acetonitrile (70/30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, eluted at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min with 0.2 (v/v) % acetic acid dissolved in acetonitrile/ultrapure water (90/10, v/v), and injected into the mass spectrometry part. The injection needle was washed with ultrapure water (500 millisecond) and acetonitrile (500 millisecond) to minimize carry-over. The suction time (injection loop 5 μL), load/cleansing time, elution time and re-equilibration time were adjusted to 300, 3000, 4250 and 1000 milliseconds, respectively, and the total cycle time was adjusted to about 10.0 seconds. The RapidFire300 system was controlled by RapidFire UI software version 3.6 (Agilent Technologies, Inc.).

The mass spectrometry of the resultant product was performed using API4000™ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (AB SCIEX) equipped with an electrospray ion sauce (TurboIon Spray™) in a negative selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The conditions of SRM are shown below. The parameters of the instrument were optimized as follows: capillary temperature 600° C., ion spray voltage −4.5 kV, collision gas 8, curtain gas 15 psi, ion source gas 1 60 psi, ion source gas 2 60 psi. The mass spectrometer was controlled by Analyst™ software version 1.5.1 (AB SCIEX). The peak area integration was analyzed using RapidFire integrator software version 3.6 (Agilent Technologies, Inc.).

MAGL inhibitory rate (%) was calculated according to the following calculation formula. (1-(arachidonic acid production amount of test compound addition group−arachidonic acid production amount of enzyme-free group)÷(arachidonic acid production amount of test compound-free group−arachidonic acid production amount of enzyme-free group))×100

The results are shown in the following Table 2.

TABLE 2-1 Example % inhibition (10 μM) 1 98 2 100 3 102 4 98 5 99 6 87 7 103 8 100 9 98 10 101 12 92 13 89 14 96 16 104 17 98 18 100 19 102 20 104 21 102 22 100 23 102 24 103 25 91 26 98 27 94 28 97 29 98 30 94 31 84 32 93 33 85 34 99 35 99 36 99 37 99 38 103 39 101 40 98 43 87 44 100 45 97 46 96 47 96 48 98 49 99 50 98 51 99 52 99 53 99 54 99 55 101 56 94 57 99 58 96 59 97 60 98 61 97 62 95 63 99 64 99 65 85 66 98 67 100 68 93 69 97 70 97 71 94 72 97 73 98 74 95 75 90 76 85 77 88 78 85 79 92 80 98 81 94 82 93 83 96 84 101 85 94 86 97 87 98 88 98 89 96 90 92 91 90 92 96 93 82 94 93 95 94 96 101 97 96 98 101 99 100 100 102 101 99 102 102 103 103 104 98 105 102 106 101 107 98 108 104 109 98 110 101 111 101 112 101 113 101 117 81 118 87 119 90 126 85 129 89 131 99 132 99 134 98 139 99 140 99 141 92 142 96 143 100 145 87 146 90 147 83 149 83 150 83 151 93 152 100

TABLE 2-2 Example % inhibition (10 μM) 169 80 170 99 171 98 172 88 173 92 175 88 176 99 177 98 178 100 179 100 180 87 182 98 184 99 185 99 186 101 187 94 188 99 189 100 190 99 191 97 192 100 193 100 194 100 195 100 196 99 197 90 198 101 199 100 200 94 201 98 202 100 203 101 204 100 205 101 206 96 207 99 208 100 209 99 210 101 211 99 212 100 213 100 214 99 215 99 216 100 217 97 218 100 219 94 220 100 221 100 222 99 223 100 224 100 225 99 226 99 227 99 228 87 229 100 230 100 231 97 232 99 233 101 234 101 235 100 236 100 237 101 238 97 239 101 240 100 241 101 242 99 243 100 244 100 245 98 246 100 247 100 248 95 249 93 250 86 251 99 252 98 253 99 254 100 255 99 256 99 257 100 258 100 259 101 260 100 261 100 262 101 263 98 264 100 265 97 266 101 267 101 268 102 269 100 270 100 271 100 272 100 273 100 274 101 275 100 276 99 277 101 278 101 279 100 280 101 281 100 282 99 283 99 284 101 285 100 286 100 287 101 288 100 289 101 290 101 291 101 292 100 293 101 294 100 295 101 296 101 297 100 298 100 299 100 300 101

TABLE 2-3 Example % inhibition (10 μM) 301 100 302 101 303 100 304 100 305 100 306 100 307 100 308 101 309 101 310 100 311 101 312 101 313 101 314 101 315 100 316 100 317 100 318 103 319 96 320 94 321 100 322 100 323 101 324 94 325 80 327 99 328 99 329 100 330 96 331 101 332 100 333 99 334 100 335 100 336 100 337 100 338 100 339 100 340 99 341 100 342 100 343 100

TABLE 2-4 Example % inhibition (10 μM) 344 99 345 100 346 100 347 100 348 100 349 100 350 100 351 100 352 100 353 100 354 100 355 99 356 100 357 100 358 100 359 99 360 100 361 99 362 100 363 99 364 100 365 100 366 99

As is clear from Table 2-1, Table 2-2, Table 2-3 and Table 2-4, the compound of the present invention has a MAGL inhibitory activity.

Experimental Example 4: Measurement of Intracerebral 2-AG and Arachidonic Acid Concentrations

As the mouse, 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (CLEA Japan, Inc.) were used (6 mice/group). Administration solutions were prepared by suspending the test compounds (compound 1 (compound of Example 279), compound 2 (compound of Example 361) and compound 3 (compound of Example 362)) in 0.5% methylcellulose solution (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The dose of the test compound was prepared to be 3 mg/kg body weight/10 mL. The test compounds were administered by gavage at 3 mg/kg body weight. The cerebrum was isolated after the administration of the test compound (isolation time after the administration of the test compound is shown in Table 3), and the cerebrum hemisphere was extracted. The obtained cerebrum hemisphere was frozen on dry ice, and the frozen tissue weight was measured.

The cerebral tissue weight was measured, and cerebral tissue was homogenized with 4-fold (v/w) of isopropanol (IPA), and double diluted with IPA. To the diluted sample (200 μL) was added internal standard solution (5 μL) ([5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-D8]-(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (AA-d₈, 0.5 nmol/mL IPA) and [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-D8]-(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoyl-2-glycerol ester (2-AG-d₃, 0.5 nmol/mL IPA)), and the mixture was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was injected to liquid chromatography mass spectrometer to perform quantitative analysis.

For liquid chromatography, Shimadzu LC20A system (Shimadzu Corporation) was used. The separation was performed by gradient elution method with mobile phase A (10 mmol/L HCOONH₄/HCOOH (100:0.2, v/v)) and mobile phase B (ethanol/IPA (3:2, v/v)) using Shim-pack XR-ODS (2.2 μm, 2.0×30 mm, Shimadzu Corporation) at column temperature of 50° C., at flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The gradient conditions are as follows: 0-1 min, 1% B; 1-1.2 min, 1-55% B; 1.2-2.7 min, 55-75% B; 2.7-3.5 min, 75-99% B; 3.5-6 min, 99% B; 6-8 min, 1% B.

For mass spectrometer, API5000 (AB SCIEX) was used. The eluate from the liquid chromatography was directly ionized by turbospray ionization method, where (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (AA) and AA-d₈ were measured by negative ionization mode, and (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoyl-2-glycerol ester (2-AG) and 2-AG-d₃ were measured by positive ionization mode. Detection conditions of the mass spectrometer are shown in Table 4.

A solution for calibration curve was prepared to the concentration of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 nmol/mL of acetonitrile. These solutions (10 μL) was mixed with 200 μL of IPA and 5 μL of internal standard solution, and the mixture was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant was injected to liquid chromatography mass spectrometer to perform analysis. The calibration curve was drawn by regression line with a weighting of 1/x², and the quantitativity was confirmed by accuracy of 100±20% and R²>0.99.

The results are shown in Table 5.

As is clear from Table 5, the compounds 1, 2 and 3 were migrated into brain by oral administration to C57BL/6J mice, and these compound increased significantly intracerebral 2-AG concentration, and simultaneously decreased significantly intracerebral arachidonic acid concentration, compared to control.

TABLE 3 isolation time after the test compound administration of test compound (hour) compound 1 2 compound 2 1 compound 3 1

TABLE 4 mass spectrometer parameter reten- tion target polar- time DP EP CE CXP molecule ity Q1 Q3 (msec) (V) (V) (V) (V) arachidonic − 303.2 205.2 25 −90 −11 −17 −15 acid arachidonic − 311.4 267.4 25 −175 −10 −22 −17 acid-d8 2-arachidonyl + 379.3 95 25 181 10 91 14 glycerol 2-arachidonyl + 387.4 294.2 25 161 10 23 18 glycerol-d8 DP: declustering potential EP: entrance potential CE: cleavage energy CXP: collision cell exit potential

TABLE 5 2-AG concentration arachidonic acid (nmol/g) concentration (nmol/g) control 9.9 163.5 compound 1 73.2 109.4 compound 2 30.2 151.8 compound 3 25.7 156.1

Formulation Examples

Medicaments containing the compound of the present invention as an active ingredient can be produced, for example, by the following formulations.

1. capsule

(1) compound obtained in Example 1 10 mg (2) lactose 90 mg (3) microcrystalline cellulose 70 mg (4) magnesium stearate 10 mg 1 capsule 180 mg 

The total amount of the above-mentioned (1), (2) and (3) and 5 mg of (4) are blended and granulated, and 5 mg of the remaining (4) is added. The whole mixture is sealed in a gelatin capsule.

2. tablet

(1) compound obtained in Example 1 10 mg (2) lactose 35 mg (3) cornstarch 150 mg  (4) microcrystalline cellulose 30 mg (5) magnesium stearate  5 mg 1 tablet 230 mg 

The total amount of the above-mentioned (1), (2) and (3), 20 mg of (4) and 2.5 mg of (5) are blended and granulated, and 10 mg of the remaining (4) and 2.5 mg of the remaining (5) are added and the mixture is compression formed to give a tablet.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, a compound having an MAGL inhibitory action, which is expected to be useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis etc.), anxiety disorder, pains (e.g., inflammatory pain, cancerous pain, neurogenic pain etc.), epilepsy, depression and the like can be provided.

This application is based on patent application No. 2016-071184 filed on Mar. 31, 2016 in Japan, the contents of which are encompassed in full herein. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound represented by the formula (I):

wherein Ring A is (1) an optionally further substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring, (2) an optionally further substituted azetidine ring, (3) an optionally further substituted pyrrolidine ring, (4) an optionally further substituted piperidine ring, (5) an optionally further substituted piperazine ring, (6) an optionally further substituted benzene ring, (7) an optionally further substituted thiazole ring, (8) an optionally further substituted oxazole ring, (9) an optionally further substituted thiophene ring, (10) an optionally further substituted bicyclic homocycle, or (11) an optionally further substituted bicyclic fused heterocycle, Ring D is a ring optionally further substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl group(s) optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), n is 1 or 2, X is —O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—, —O—CR¹R²— or —NR³—, R¹, R² and R³ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), or a salt thereof.
 2. The compound or salt according to claim 1, wherein Ring D is an azetidine ring; n is 1; X is —O—; and R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.
 3. The compound or salt according to claim 1, wherein Ring A is an optionally further substituted benzothiophene ring.
 4. The compound or salt according to claim 1, wherein Ring A is (1) a C₃₋₆ cycloalkane ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms, (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, and (c) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, and (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (2) an azetidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (I) a halogen atom, (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a halogen atom and a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and (b) a C₇₋₁₆ aralkyloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, and (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (3) a piperidine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a halogen atom, (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (I) a halogen atom, and (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (I) a halogen atom, (II) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (III) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkoxy-carbonyl groups, and (IV) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group, and (iii) a halogen atom, and (c) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, (4) a piperazine ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms, (5) a benzene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a halogen atom, (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a C₆₋₁₄ aryloxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, and (iii) a halogen atom, (c) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, and (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, (d) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally fused with a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkane, and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (iii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (I) a halogen atom, and (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, and (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, (e) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, and (f) a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic heterocyclic group, (6) a thiazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, (7) an oxazole ring optionally further substituted by 1 to substituents selected from (a) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and (b) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, (8) a thiophene ring optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a halogen atom, (b) a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and (c) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (ii) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (I) a halogen atom, and (II) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, and (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, (9) a bicyclic homocycle optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 C₁₋₆ alkyl groups, or (10) a bicyclic fused heterocycle optionally further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a halogen atom, (b) a nitro group, (c) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (d) a C₁₋₆ alkoxy group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, (ii) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms, and (iii) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, (e) a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (i) a halogen atom, (ii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl group, (iii) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group, and (iv) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, (f) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group, (g) a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms, and (h) a 5- to 14-membered aromatic heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 3 optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl groups; Ring D is a 4- or 5-membered monocyclic nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocycle; n is 1 or 2; X is —O—, —CH₂—, —CH₂—O— or —O—CH₂—; and R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.
 5. The compound or salt according to claim 1, wherein Ring A is (1) a benzothiophene ring further substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from (a) a halogen atom, and (b) an optionally halogenated C₁₋₆ alkoxy group; Ring D is an azetidine ring; n is 1; X is —O—; and R^(a) and R^(b) are both hydrogen atoms.
 6. 2-((3-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.
 7. 2-((3-Chloro-6-fluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.
 8. 2-((3-Chloro-4,6-difluoro-1-benzothiophen-2-yl)carbonyl)-7-oxa-2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-6-one, or a salt thereof.
 9. A medicament comprising the compound or salt according to claim
 1. 10. The medicament according to claim 9, which is a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor.
 11. A method of inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase in a mammal, which comprises administering an effective amount of the compound or salt according to claim 1 to the mammal.
 12. A method for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorder, pain, epilepsy or depression in a mammal, which comprises administering an effective amount of the compound or salt according to claim 1 to the mammal. 